Borth Wild Animal Kingdom to reopen after lynx deaths

A zoo at the centre of two lynx deaths said it has undergone a full inspection and is hoping to reopen to the public on 2 December.

Borth Wild Animal Kingdom in Ceredigion has been closed since Lilleth, the Eurasian lynx, escaped in October.

Lilleth was "humanely destroyed" and a second lynx died following a staff "handling error".

Owners Dean and Tracy Tweedy said inspectors gave them "a long list of things that need improving".

Posting on Facebook, the couple which took over the zoo with their children earlier this year, said the inspectors went through the premises "with a fine-tooth comb" over four days.

"Many of the things on the list we were aware of and had already planned to tackle the problems," they said.

"The good thing is this period of closure has allowed us to really crack on with what needs doing and push forward our timetable of works."

Lilleth was shot on 10 November after efforts to recapture her failed.

Ceredigion council said it took the action after it received advice that the risk to public safety had "increased to severe". But the shooting was condemned by Mr and Mrs Tweedy.

"We are truly devastated and outraged that this happened," they said at the time.

Nilly the lynx died a few days later after she became twisted in a catch-pole as staff tried to move her into a different enclosure ahead of a council inspection.

Mr and Mrs Tweedy said staff protocols "have been completely revamped" and their experienced zookeepers will undergo increased training which includes placements at larger zoos around the UK.

They said vital refurbishment work has been carried out, with volunteers helping with cutting, cleaning, digging and painting "to bring the attraction up to modern standards".

With "all going well" they will be reopening on Saturday, 2 December.