South Lakes Safari Zoo has been raided by RSPCA inspectors and under investigation after tiger mauled keeper
The animal welfare charity were given a warrant to search the zoo, which had its permit withdrawn last month after a Government report found almost 500 animals died in four years
A ZOO where a tiger keeper was mauled to death has been raided by RSPCA inspectors.
Crisis-hit South Lakes Safari Zoo is being investigated over historical animal cruelty and neglect allegations.
The zoo, in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, was visited by RSPCA inspectors who “executed a search warrant”.
The charity's investigation comes a month after the controversial millionaire owner David Gill was ordered to close shop when inspectors raised major concerns over animal welfare.
The establishment, opened in 1994, has been operating without a licence while appealing against its permit being withdrawn.
Conditions at the zoo have been under scrutiny since it was fined over the 2013 death of big cat keeper Sarah McClay, 24.
Ms McClay died from serious injuries suffered to her head and neck when she was mauled by a male Sumatran tiger during public feeding time.
Earlier this year a Government report into the zoo highlighted 486 animal deaths in just four years - mainly from emaciation, exposure and poor care.
Saka, a jaguar cited in the report, died from biting his own paw, indicating "chronic, ongoing self-traumatisation".
The paper also highlighted how Mr Gill has had listed his third wife - Miss Peru finalist Frieda Rivera-Schreiber - as the zoo's vet, despite her not being UK qualified to treat animals.
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Inspectors have recommended the zoo be allowed to stay open as it is under new management, although the RSPCA revealed it's been permitted a warrant to investigate historic offences.
The charity said: “This is now an active investigation.”