Glasgow's 'dilapidated' zoo faces new calls for closure

One of Scotland's leading zoos is facing calls for closure after public complaints over the condition of its animal enclosures.

An investigation has been launched by Glasgow City Council into facilities at the city's cash-strapped zoo only months after it narrowly escaped closure following damning reports by environmental health inspectors and a veterinary surgeon.

John Robins, Campaigns Consultant for Animal Welfare, said: "The place is a shambles. It is an embarrassment to Glasgow and to Scotland."

Last year, the zoo's administrators were granted a six-year extension to their operating licence on condition they agreed to improve the facilities and upgrade the park's electrical wiring. But a spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said yesterday that fresh complaints had been made and that an investigation was under way. A report is expected to be submitted to the licensing committee within six weeks.

Although the council refused to give any details about the allegations or identify the source of the new complaints, Liz Corbett, the council's head of environmental health, confirmed that "matters have arisen which require further investigation".

She added: "We are in the early stages of investigating complaints which have come both from members of the public and various organisations. We have had four or five complaints which refer to housekeeping issues at the zoo and animal welfare."

Earlier this year the welfare groups Advocates for Animals and Animal Concern claimed that animals at zoo – established 55 years ago – were suffering physically and mentally in filthy and cramped conditions. They claimed to have found a cheetah – which is capable capable of running at 70mph – in a tiny, barren and dirty paddock with only an old football for stimulation. They also found a tiger which was kept in such a small enclosure that it was showing signs of disturbed behaviour. In another enclosure, two lions were seen pacing repeatedly.

Mr Robins said: "There are only two solutions viable for Glasgow Zoo. One is to close it down and find new homes for the animals, and the other is to turn it into a proper sanctuary for exotic animals rescued from circuses and the illegal pet trade.

"Glasgow Zoo is not much better than the kind of thing seen in cities damaged by war. The fabric of the place is crumbling, with broken concrete in the enclosures, so there is every danger of disease and infection to the animals.

"The facilities are just not good enough. It relies on volunteers who, although very dedicated, just don't have the resources."

Roger Edwards, the zoo's chief executive, denied that any of the animals were suffering or not being cared for. But he did admit that lack of money and damage to the zoo's fabric caused by storms earlier in the year had left some parts of the park in urgent need of renovation.

"The city vet has inspected the animals and confirmed that they are all fine," he said.

"Our staff are totally committed to the animals and work very hard to ensure they are looked after properly."