RSPCA confirm death of lion at Cumbria zoo will be investigated

Animal Welfare charity the RSPCA has said it was "deeply concerned" about the death of a male lion, called Nero.

Last week BBC 2 documentary 'Trouble At The Zoo' saw camera crews gain access to the troubled zoo in Dalton-in-Furness. During the programme viewers saw the death of Nero, as well as a discovery of a dead red panda cub.

This is yet another spotlight focused on the welfare of animals at the zoo. In April 2017 the RSPCA began investigating the zoo after an autopsy list charting hundreds of animal deaths emerged.

After learning of the death of Nero the RPSCA made the following statement: "We are deeply concerned to hear about new revelations relating to the sad death of Nero the lion at the zoo and as a result, we will be investigating this further.

"Despite new management and some reported improvements in welfare at the zoo last year, the RSPCA continues to have concerns about conditions there.

"Worryingly, a planned inspection of the zoo by Barrow Borough Council, which is responsible for issuing its licence, has been postponed. We continue to have concerns that the running of this zoo is having an impact on the welfare of the animals and recently wrote to the Chief Executive of the council urging him to carry out this inspection jointly with the RSPCA as a matter of urgency.

"We are very troubled about reports of further animal welfare concerns and we urge the programme makers to share any information they have."

Leader of Barrow Borough Council, councillor Dave Pidduck, said he was not aware of any inspection being cancelled.

He said: "As far as I'm aware it wasn't cancelled. My last conversation with Phil Huck (Barrow council's executive director) was that this is being dealt with by council officers rather than councillors.

"There was an unannounced inspection at the zoo and I believe it took place quite recently."

The Mail has contacted Phil Huck for further comment.