Wildlife park closed until further notice

A wildlife park in Lincolnshire has been closed until further notice, citing "irreconcilable differences" over the future of the attraction.

Co-owner of the Wolds Wildlife Park, in Horncastle, Tracy Walters made the announcement on social media on Friday.

Opened in 2019 the zoo is home to animals including bears, zebras, lynxes and lions.

Speaking to BBC Look North fellow owner Andrew Riddel said he hoped to reopen the attraction as soon as possible after resolving a number of "in-house" issues.

A post on the park's Facebook page said: “Financially and emotionally we are really proud of the successful growth and constant improvements we’ve been able to make to the park since it opened in December 2019, and to sincerely wish and thank all of our loyal customers who have helped make the Wolds Wildlife Park a fabulous visitor attraction for all, and a huge asset to Horncastle."

The statement continued: “Unfortunately, due to the business owners having irreconcilable differences in the future direction of the park, there are very few viable options remaining to help keep this wonderful venture going."

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Riddel said things had happened in his personal life which he needed time to sort out.

He said: “We’ve got serious blips with the council and the authorities at the moment due to our problems in-house, but as soon as those are resolved it will be open as normal.

“I want to thank everybody who supported me and Tracy,” he added.

“We will be open once we get over this blip and we'll fulfil it and make it bigger and better than it is already. “

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