A UK zoo that saw almost 500 animals die in its care in less than four years has been granted a new license to operate following a takeover from its previous owner.

The Cumbria Zoo Company Ltd (CZCL) – a group formed by staff at the South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton – had instigated a “change of culture” according to inspectors after leasing the zoo from founder David Gill for an initial six-month period.

Reports had suggested that Barrow Council were considering prosecuting Gill under the Animal Welfare Act for allowing animals to suffer.

CZCL will run the zoo completely independently of him, and the latest inspector report praised the level of staff "engagement, dedication and enthusiasm and ambitious plans to move forward now that the owner is no longer involved".

Between 2013 and 2016, 486 animals died at the zoo – accounting for almost 12 per cent of its population. Causes of death included emaciation, hypothermia and electrocution.

The zoo is now home to more than 1,500 animals.