Lynx deaths zoo to stay open after debts deal

A ZOO blamed over the deaths of dozens of exotic animals will remain open after its owners yesterday agreed to pay off their debts.

Borth Wild Animal Kingdom lost its licence for big cats last year when two lynx died. Other animals died in unexplained circumstances, including an emu and a squirrel monkey.

The zoo, which is near Aberystwyth, mid Wales, temporarily closed, leading it to run up debts of almost £350,000.

It was faced with being shut down if it could not find the cash, but the High Court in London yesterday was told it had agreed a Company Voluntary Arrangement with creditors.

Tracy Tweedy, who owns the zoo with her husband Dean, said they had agreed to pay around £40,000.

The psychotherapist and street artist gave up their careers and moved to Wales from Kent last year with their three children after purchasing the zoo for £625,000.

The have been criticised for lacking specialist knowledge.

Mrs Tweedy, 47, said: ‘All you can do is move on and learn from things that have happened. Business is picking up now.’