A zoo might have to close to the public after inspectors raised a number of concerns.

Founder of the South Lakes Safari Zoo , David Gill , submitted an application to renew the licence in January this year.

But after uncovering failings within the much loved attraction, inspectors have recommended a block on the reissuing the licence.

A special inspection was carried out on May 23, 24 and 25 and had to be called because of recommendations made during November's inspection which pulled the management structure into disrepute.

The council's adviser and DEFRA appointed inspector, Mr Brash said a breach of condition 39 was grounds to deny the licence application- a decision which was 'not taken lightly'.

Condition 39 states a 'robust' management system must be in place.

Inspectors had initially commended Mr Gill for his decision to step down but at the last Licensing Committee Hearing in February and March, 2016 it was felt he was overriding decisions and of 'deep concern' to inspectors.

The zoo were granted time to make changes to their staffing structure before May's inspection.

Formerly known as South Lakes Wild Animal Park, the attraction opened 22-years-ago and was spread out over 12 acres of land attracting around 200 visitors per day.

Currently, the site occupies nearly 50 acres of land and has more than doubled the number of animals it houses to over 1000.

Bringing around £3 million a year, it was revealed the safari park has a significantly high mortality rate for its mammals, birds and reptiles.

From January to December 2015, 146 animals died and and during the first four months of 2016 a further 61 creatures died.

The zoo's own records highlighted 19 of these deaths were preventable.

Findings also discovered that many creatures but monkeys especially were suffering injuries stemming from fights breaking out in the free-ranging habitats.

Staff acknowledged the high-levels of accidents and injuries in the report but also said they were unsure of how best to tackle this.

While inspectors commended the involvement of the vet's who work at the park,they noted that they were only responding to issues in a 'reactive' way and called for more preventative methods.

Questions were also raised regarding how animals could die from hypothermia or emaciation while in the care of the zoo.

Earlier this year the zoo pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Health and Safety Act after Sarah McClay, 24, was attacked by a Sumatran tiger in May 2013.

She had been carrying out her cleaning and feeding duties in a corridor of the tiger enclosure.

Under the current system, a licence stays in force until the application for a new one is withdrawn or disposed of.

If the licence application is refused, the zoo will need to close its doors, but does have the right to appeal.

The Licensing committee will meet from Tuesday July 5 until Thursday July 7 to discuss the findings.