Knowsley Safari Park has insisted that it has 'swiftly addressed' issues that have arisen from allegations relating to its treatment of deceased animals.

Photos taken by a former employee, which were published in today's The Sun (10 January), showed carcasses that had not been properly disposed of.

Concerns were also raised regarding firearms procedures at the zoo; issues that the Lord Derby-owned attraction said "had been addressed".

Knowsley Safari Park general manager David Ross said: "Knowsley Council have thoroughly investigated a number of allegations with our full co-operation.

"Only two issues have required further action by the park, both relating to operational matters - the storage and disposal of animal carcasses and firearms procedures. Both these have been swiftly addressed."

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums director Miranda Stevenson said: "We are satisfied that the two issues requiring further action have been dealt with the park and that it maintains excellent standards of animal husbandry and welfare."

However, Captive Animals' Protection Society director Liz Tyson said: "Shocking as the pictures are, what is perhaps even more shocking is that killing animals is all part and parcel of zoo practice."