Anarchy at Britain's WORST zoo exposed: How depressed animals were 'trapped' in cramped enclosures full of faeces, froze to death, accidentally electrocuted and mowed down by a miniature train

Nestled in the picturesque Cumbrian landscape, South Lakes Safari Zoo billed itself as a family-friendly haven offering exotic animal encounters. As staff began the task of shutting down the sprawling 50-acre site and rehoming hundreds of animals, MailOnline visited South Lakes Safari Zoo - where owners have repeatedly denied animal welfare failings. Tragic losses at the zoo, including animals run over by a miniature train or electrocuted by fencing, sparked outrage at millionaire founder, David Gill - who appointed his Peruvian beauty queen third wife as head vet. A series of tragic losses at South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria - including animals run over by a miniature train or electrocuted by fencing - sparked outrage aimed at its colourful millionaire founder, David Gill A zebra photographed with its hoof stuck in the bars of its enclosure later had to be euthanised, while a giraffe was pictured with a bloodied head after apparently injuring itself on the bars of its pen. A young monkey clings to the mesh below a heat lamp at the zoo amid concerns its habitat is not being kept warm enough The charity said its own undercover endeavours in 2023 found 'disturbing evidence of serious overcrowding, flooding of enclosures, stereotypical behaviours, inappropriate diet, poor husbandry, dangerous infrastructure issues, and sick, injured and dying animals.'