A lion was witnessed pacing a 'sparse' enclosure at a south Cumbrian zoo this weekend by animal welfare experts.

Staff from the Born Free Foundation - a charity that campaigns for the rights of captive animals - said the animal was exhibiting 'stereotypic behaviour' brought on by its living conditions at South Lakes Safari Zoo .

The organisation was one of two to address members of Barrow Council's licencing committee yesterday on concerns for the welfare of animals kept at the attraction.

Katie Richards, of Born Free, urged the committee to reject an application for a zoo licence made by the site's owner David Gill .

Ms Richards said: "I was appalled at the apparent mismanagement of the zoo and the animals.

"I am also deeply concerned Barrow council has allowed it to deteriorate over several years.

"There are fundamental issues that cannot be fixed by awarding a new zoo licence."

Ms Richards went on to state she had visited South Lakes Safari Zoo on Sunday to see the conditions of the exhibits herself.

She said: "The animals are living, essentially, in bogs.

"The lion was pacing and displayed stereotypic behaviour.

"It's enclosure was sparse and muddy without enrichment."

The committee went on to hear from Nicola O'Brien, campaigns director of the Captive Animal Protection Society, who claimed conditions at Dalton's zoo during a visit last July were the worst encountered by the group for 60 years.

Ms O'Brien said: "We noticed a kangaroo that was severely emaciated. The penguins did not have water except to drink.

"There were animals with skin conditions.

"We also saw animals exhibiting stereotypical behaviours - pacing and rocking back and forth.

"It seems outrageous we should take a gamble on the new company when its members of staff have been involved for so long.

"The animals have endured enough and should be moved somewhere else, safe."