A zoo in Cumbria, UK, which looked set to close this month after a dispute with the local council, has now revealed plans to hand the attraction’s assets over to a charitable organisation.

Barrow Borough Council raised several concerns about South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton last month, issuing an order on 17 December to prove within 28 days that walkways were safe. The zoo responded in a statement, with management saying they felt “harassed” to the point that they were unable to continue under such conditions.

The zoo was set to close down permanently on 11 January but the Safari Zoo Nature Foundation – a charity run by the zoo – will be given the animal park according to park management.

"In a move planned over two years ago, the Safari Zoo Nature Foundation will operate the zoo in 2016 and onwards,” said the statement.

"We hope that 2016 will bring increased funds and awareness to all our overseas projects that are the focus of the zoo's very existence.

"It is hoped that the zoo can open all its new facilities that will be under construction in the coming months for Easter."

The statement also said that even though zoo boss David Gill has retired from the zoo, he will be the project leader of the overseas programmes for the charity. The zoo will still close for a short time on 11 January with plans to reopen in the Easter.

“We currently have no further information to give on the reopening of the zoo, as there are meetings to be held to confirm details," the statement added.

"This is due to some essential works that must go on. Staff will still be at the site to help with this work, care for the animals and attend other work.

"However, we still have lots of plans for the future."