A zoo and safari park in Cumbria has announced its closure - but is eyeing up a new wildlife experience in Yorkshire.
The South Lakes Safari Zoo has faced a fair amount of controversy over the years, including the death of a zookeeper who was mauled by a tiger in 2013, and the death of 500 animals in the span of just three years.
The Cumbria Zoo Company Limited (CZCL) took over the attraction in 2017 when its previous owner was denied a licence - but has now announced the zoo's closure.
And while the South Lakes Safari Zoo in Ulverston, just outside the Lake District, will close at the end of this year, it looks like a move to Yorkshire is on the cards.
Plans have been submitted to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for a 120-acre visitor attraction and wild animal reserve at Brockholes Farm.
The application states that, along with farm animals, the attraction will be home to white rhinos, honey badgers, zebras, red pandas, sloths, giraffe and lynx.
In a statement shared on social media, the South Lakes Safari Zoo said that the new site has holiday cottages, farm animals, and 'native wild flora and fauna full of biodiversity from grasslands, trees, Ancient Woodland, Pond, rivers, waterfalls, bluebells, and an array of plant life'.
Even before work begins they added that the site is home to bats, badgers, breeding birds, woodpeckers, grouse, amphibians, otter, brown hares, Lapwings, nodding birds, and squirrels.
Troubled South Lakes Safari Zoo announces closure and plots move to Yorkshire
The new Yorkshire attraction from the South Lakes Safari Zoo is set to partially open in 2025.
Speaking of the closure of their Cumbria zoo, they wrote: "When we took over in 2017 we did so because of our love and passion for the animals in our care and the wider world.
"When we look back - hand rearing Cupcake the parma wallaby, training Tibor the giraffe for his jugular blood sample, Remi the jaguar and his cancer removal, Wolfgang the snow leopard and his eye operation, hand rearing capybara, Eloise the giraffe’s pedicures, transforming the lives of Snoopy and the bears with their new enclosure.
"From day 1 when we opened the doors for free, to today when we will do the same for December, we cannot thank the 3million plus of you who have, over the last 7 years, visited us, supported our ventures and ultimately celebrated with us our amazing animal world."
You can read their full statement below.
What do you think of the plans for South Lakes Safari Zoo to move to Yorkshire?
American pop singer Kesha has dropped out of the Pitbull-fronted Roundhay Festival line-up, with a major shake-up announced today.
The second instalment of artists for Pitbull's headline Roundhay Festival show has been announced and it's missing highly-anticipated and originally-announced artist Kesha.
Festival organisers have said that the star will no longer be able to perform due to 'unforeseen scheduling conflicts'.
The American singer's musical adventure has taken a 'Joyride' since becoming independent in September 2024 and releasing her sixth studio album "." or Period almost a year ago.
Now, Kesha's title as 'Special Guest' has now been handed over to three very impressive artists who also shared a role in soundtracking some of the 2010s biggest hits.
Kesha was originally listed as a 'Special Guest' for Pitbull's Roundhay Festival gig in Leeds this July / Credit: Brendan Walters / Press Shots
One of these new artists is Jason Derulo, who is ready to treat the crowd to his array of chart-topping melodies like: 'Whatcha Say', 'Talk Dirty to Me', 'Trumpets'.
Another act who knows a thing or two about travelling the globe like Mr. Worldwide is 'Miami 2 Ibiza' hitmaker Tinie Tempah - things are definitely about to get 'Frisky'.
The final artist joining this already impressive list of names is Lil Jon who's bringing his high energy tracks to Roundhay Park such as 'Turn Down For What', 'Shots' and 'Get Low'.
Jason Derulo is just one of the artists making up the all-new Pitbull Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (via Supplied)
Kesha's departure from this Leeds gig comes as a complete shock as the star is still set to play a whole host of UK festival dates including a BST Hyde Park show in London on 10 July.
In a statement shared via social media, Roundhay Festival has stated the reason for this very big change to the line-up:
"Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Kesha will no longer be joining us this July. We hope to welcome her to Roundhay Park in the future."
Although fans who have already bought tickets to the show might still be 'Praying' for Kesha's return to the Roundhay Festival bill, it's safe to say these artists are a great addition.
Pitbull is coming to Roundhay Park in Leeds on Friday 3 July 2026 and so far he's bringing along Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon with more acts to follow - Tickets HERE.
Popular Leeds boutique gym and reformer pilates studio suddenly shuts down
Daisy Jackson
One of Leeds' leading boutique gyms, and its sister reformer pilates studio, has shut down suddenly.
Both TRIB3 and PILAT3S announced their shock closure last night, as owners seek new operators to take over the spaces.
TRIB3 is known for its high intensity workouts, where members move between treadmills, assault bikes, and free weight zones.
And PILAT3S opened its doors just last year, offering a state-of-the-art reformer pilates studio.
But now both have closed with immediate effect, after several weeks of silence due to 'legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape'.
In a statement shared last night, they wrote how the studios had become 'a community', and thanked members and instructors for being part of the journey.
They signed off: "We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls."
Inside TRIB3 Leeds, which has announced its shock closure
TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds members with any outstanding memberships or credits are encouraged to get in touch with the business.
You can read their full statement here: "Dear TRIB3 and PILAT3S family,
"Firstly we would like to apologise that it has taken a little time to get this message out. But with legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape, we are now finally able to put this message out there:
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that the TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds studios are closed and we are exploring opportunities with potential interested parties to take over moving forward.
"Over time, these studios became so much more than just places to train. They became a community—built on energy, connection, and a shared commitment to showing up and pushing limits together. We are incredibly proud of what was created and the people who brought it to life every single day.
"We know this news will be upsetting and unexpected for many, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
"We want to thank every member, client, instructor, and team member who has been part of this journey. Your support, loyalty, and passion are what made these spaces so special, and it’s something that will not be forgotten.
"Should you have any queries regarding memberships, credits or any outstanding matters please contact tribeleeds@btguk.com.
"We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls.
Daisy Jackson -
20th December 2024 
