Westminster City Council has asked London Zoo for a full report following concerns over animal welfare at parties known as “Zoo Lates”, while a petition against the events has been signed by over 69,000 people.
The Council’s move to address concerns follows allegations that the events cause “fear and distress” to animals. Reports have suggested that visitors have exhibited drunken behaviour, including one individual who was thrown out of an event for pouring beer on a tiger.
Zoo Lates are evening events held at London Zoo, which is run by the Zoological Society of London. They involve a silent disco, comedy performances and the opportunity to see animals out of hours. Alcohol is also sold at the events.
The Guardian reported that London Zoo has confirmed the incident involving the tiger, and another incident where a man stripped off in an attempt to swim with penguins.
Steve Harrison, operation director of street management at Westminster City Council, said: “If they are true, the stories about London Zoo’s late sessions raise real concerns both about public safety and animal welfare. We have already asked for a full report into what happened.
“The Zoo has duties of care and clear commitments under its premises and zoo licences and we will work with managers to ensure they are upheld at any future events.”
The petition calls on London Zoo to “stop exploiting its animals” and states that loud noises made by visitors to the evening events can cause undue stress to the animals.
However a spokeswoman from London Zoo said that the welfare of its animals is its top priority.
She told the BBC: "The wellbeing of our animals is always our first priority and we would like to reassure those people that have taken the time to sign the petition, that we would not continue to run any event or activity which compromised this, in any way.
"We are taking every measure to ensure our Zoo Lates evenings are positive experiences for both our animals and visitors and will continue to work closely with Westminster Council to make sure they are satisfied we are meeting and exceeding all license requirements."
Zoo Lates, which the charity calls “London’s wildest night out”, raise £800,000 a year to fund the Zoo’s conservation work.
The zoo is in its eighth year of running the events, and this summer held nine sell outs on Friday evenings. Events are for over 18s and are held between six and ten pm.
