蜜芽传媒

Dr Gbola Adeleke says the chalk landmark is in 鈥榓 state鈥� and says he can do a better job.

Dr Adeleke, who鈥檚 a former mayor of Dacorum, has had his suggestion turned down. The Chief Operating Officer of the zoo, Owen Craft, says:

鈥淎t Whipsnade Zoo we are very proud of the iconic White Lion which has been overlooking the downs across Bedfordshire since 1933.

鈥淚t is extremely important to us and ZSL, the conservation charity behind Whipsnade Zoo, to maintain ownership of the chalk grassland landscape.

鈥淭he White Lion is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as it is a rare and important habitat for native species including orchids and butterflies. Whipsnade Zoo takes great care of the area, with a specific management plan in place which is approved by Natural England.鈥� Photo: Getty Images.