New animal director threatened to quit post over 'misunderstandings and disagreements' with zoo boss

Andreas Kaufmann was officially appointed animal director in August as part of the conditions of Cumbria Zoo Company Limited's licence awarded by Barrow Borough Council.

Yet he handed in his resignation amid a series of "misunderstandings and disagreements" with zoo boss Karen Brewer, including the animals’ diets.

Mr Kaufmann said: "Everything worked really well for about a month until I felt there were issues. I did resign because I couldn't work at the pace I was used to.

"It wasn't a spontaneous decision. There was a few different things and a few of them were just misunderstandings and disagreements and different approaches.

"English isn't my first language and there are also differences in culture. I'm quite straightforward and that's sometimes too much for some.

"Many things came together and we've sorted things and we're now back to a good process."

Under the terms of the licence, awarded to CZCL on May 11, an animal director must be employed on a permanent and full-time basis before July 31.

Councillors expressed concerns about Mr Kaufmann's dedication to the zoo and its operations in his absence.

While he has a number of pre-existing national and international commitments, CZCL has also employed an animal manager to deputise for Mr Kaufmann during his time away from the zoo.

Dr Matthew Brash, one of three inspectors to visit the zoo unannounced on August 3, said: "It is a completely understandable concern. By the letter of the law he has a contract now and he has signed it.

"He is there and has put in place a number two to run the zoo when he can't.

Stewart Lambert, chairman of the board at the zoo, said: "Because of our current reputation we recognised that we were unlikely to get anyone else of equal stature at this time, and he's one of the world's best."

Despite councillors' concerns, Barrow Borough Council's licensing regulatory committee found that, while Mr Kaufmann's position was not fully agreed until August 4, CZCL is complying with this requirement.

Council hears of animal injuries

THE inspection detailed during today’s (October 5) meeting also noted that CZCL was following an order to eliminate as many bites and injuries as possible, despite a number of incidents observed during the inspection.

A number of the incidents surrounded the public feeding of lemurs and squirrel monkeys in open areas.

The inspection found considerable contact between the animals and the public, including one instance of a lemur climbing onto a pram.

In his report, Dr Brash said: "Lemur feeding by the public has historically been of concern. The large number of lemurs and people involved in these public feeding sessions has the potential for them to come into contact with these primates and the potential for them to be bitten.

"The inspectors observed a feeding session and noted the keepers do a good job instructing the public about safety and requesting they stay approximately one metre back from the rail. It's educational and informative and the public obviously hugely enjoyed the experience."

Mr Kaufmann confirmed changes had been put in place during his short time as animal director.

He said: "Some changes have already been put in place regarding interactions between animals and the public.

"Squirrel monkeys are no longer allowed in public contact areas and they never will be again.

"Some changes have already been made to lemur feedings such as less attractive food items and organisational and constructional ones are on the way.

"However, we are aiming to replace the current lemur interactions with more attractive experiences involving zero risk."

The changes included feeding the animals multiple times each day to reduce hunger at public feedings, while there are plans to limit the number of people at feedings to three or four.

Safe transfer of animals to resume

A NUMBER of lemurs at the zoo have been placed on the surplus list, as bosses attempt to safely reduce the number of animals on site.

The zoo had lost its government-approved BALAI status, which prevented the sale of animals to other sites around the country.

Mr Kaufmann said: "We will move a number of animals to other zoos. This is a great place but one of the areas we have to work on is the number of animals for our capabilities.

"We are doing a good job of finding good homes for them. We're looking at other institutions and we make sure they are in a position to care for them appropriately.

"We do not euthanise our animals."

A number of male kangaroos were also placed on the list following an injury to a kangaroo found during the inspection.

The kangaroo was observed with a damaged area of skin over the left pouch following a mating session.

Mr Kaufmann said: "If you're a parent and your child is sick it doesn't make you a bad parent.

"When you care for animals in a zoo they will get sick and you need to provide the care to make them better."

MP writes to secretary of state following zoo 'scandal'

FOLLOWING the decision from Barrow Borough Council, the area's MP John Woodcock has written to secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs, Michael Gove.

Mr Woodcock has previously criticised the zoo management for their failings under David Gill's leadership.

In his letter to Mr Gove, he said: "I am writing to you to request a meeting to discuss animals at risk at South Lakes Safari Zoo in my constituency and seek to persuade you to act to overhaul the country’s wholly inadequate zoo licensing framework.

"I congratulate you on your decision to increase the criminal penalty to those found guilty of cruelty to pets. I understand this would also apply to zoo animals, can you confirm that this is the case please? Would the new guidelines you are drawing up encapsulate neglect such as that witnessed in South Lakes Safari Zoo?

"As you will be aware, earlier this year there was the shocking discovery of large-scale neglect of animals, over 500 animals died some in horrific circumstances.

"This finding came a few years after the tragic death of my constituent, zookeeper Sarah McClay, who was killed by a tiger in 2013. Barrow Borough Council is meeting today to discuss the findings of a new inspection of the zoo which is now nominally under new management.

"Whatever the council’s decision, it is essential that the government now commits to root and branch reform of the wider zoo licensing regime which is simply not fit for purpose and is leaving many zoo animals across the country at risk of cruelty and neglect.

"In South Lakes Zoo, a fresh licence to operate was granted to a new company made up of many members of the regime that was stripped of its license following the inspection.

"As it stands, any council charged with making a decision on zoo licenses has no legal authority to take into account issues such as this. They are forced to rely solely on a snapshot provided by inspectors who are not full time professionals, and often riven with conflicts of interest.

"Surely, in the wake of the South Lakes scandal the government should act to establish a fit and proper person’s test that would bar those who have been in positions of responsibility under a previous failed regime. It should also consult on how the regulatory system for zoos can be professionalised so it replicates the standards seen in other professions where welfare and safety are at risk.

"I would really welcome the chance to put this case to you in person and discuss your views on how to improve this inadequate, out-of-date system that has demonstrably failed in its basic purpose.

"Given the high level of interest in this matter, I am making this letter publicly available."