In 2010 the UK Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) criticised the park for keeping lions in overcrowded pens for up to 18 hours a day in winter, and keeping sea lions in chlorinated water. However, DEFRA acknowledged that the park was already working to correct these issues and praised other newer facilities within the safari park. Although a new, larger overnight facility for lions was already under construction and would allow outside access as well, Woburn Safari Park commented that even the old facility was large enough because the lions could move between the pens.
In 2010, the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) criticized Woburn Safari Park for keeping lions in overcrowded pens for up to 18 hours a day during winter and sea lions in chlorinated water. However, DEFRA acknowledged that the park was already addressing these issues and praised other newer facilities at the safari park. Although a new, larger overnight facility for lions was under construction and would provide outside access, Woburn Safari Park stated that even the existing facility was large enough because the lions could move between the pens.