According to a LincsOnline report, Peterborough City Council’s licensing team spent approximately 18 months executing what was termed “one of the most significant and complex pieces of work” from the past year: enforcing the closure of a licensed zoo and safely relocating nearly 100 animals.
Though the zoo fell under Rutland County Council’s jurisdiction, Peterborough’s licensing department spearheaded the operation. Both councils declined to name the facility, but LincsOnline identified it as the closed Rutland Falconry and Owl Centre, later known as the Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary.
The origin story dates back to 2000, when Chris Lawton a former competitive weightlifter and strongman with a lifelong passion for raptors partnered with local landowners. He secured access to a 42-acre plot of ancient woodland nestled between Exton and Burley near Oakham to build a natural habitat and educational facility. While it began strictly as an avian center, its mission shifted in 2005 after Chris Lawton began taking in exotic big cats, such as pumas and leopards, that were discarded by private owners, retired from breeding programs, or facing euthanasia. He built large, secluded woodland enclosures, and his hands-on management style defined the facility for two decades.
Despite its initial vision, the attraction faced years of heavy public criticism from visitors over the condition animals were kept in. In January 2004 (noting the historical trajectory), management attempted a major regulatory restructure, rebranding as the Rutland Wildlife Sanctuary and appointing a board of trustees to pursue charitable status for grants and long-term public funding. This transition included tightening public access to conform with updated zoo licensing guidelines.
However, local licensing authorities ultimately determined the sanctuary’s conditions and operational setup failed to meet the strict criteria of the UK's modern Zoo Licensing Act. Rather than a courtroom trial, the closure was enforced administratively via council compliance orders. This triggered the quiet, multi-agency operation involving zoo operators, welfare groups, veterinarians, and key stakeholders to clear the site.
Each of the nearly 100 animals—ranging from reptiles and birds of prey like Rhea the northern goshawk, to larger exotic animals like pumas—required careful assessment and placement in suitable licensed facilities. Writing in the council’s Licensing Annual Update report, head of regulatory services Jacqui Harvey noted that the project concluded successfully with all animals safely relocated and no adverse welfare outcomes identified.
Rehoming of some of the big cats had began in 2003, with an Amur leopard named Argun serving as one of the first to move to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent. The sanctuary welcomed back a familiar face, as Argun had spent 10 years at the Rutland facility after leaving Kent in 2013. As the world’s most endangered big cat, Argun’s return supports species conservation. He is currently monitored and prepared for a breeding program due to his valuable DNA contribution to gene pool diversity. Once fully prepared, he will join a breeding partner.
Long-time supporters recognise Argun as the son of Xizi and Artur from the first litter of Amur leopards born at the Kent sanctuary on October 12, 2008, alongside his twin brother Anuy. While Artur passed away in 2021, Xizi still resides at the sanctuary.
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
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