Drastic times could mean drastic measures at Flamingo Land theme park, near Pickering, after it was revealed some of the zoo's animals may end up as dinner for other beasts.

Shortages of meat supplies caused by the foot and mouth epidemic mean food for some of the park's larger animals is running low.

Top of the park's food chain are its two Bengal tigers, who eat about 15kg of meat each day.

Other big carnivores are the park's two lynxes and the polar bear.

If supplies run any lower, staff have admitted some residents could end up on the big cats' menus. The park's peccaries, a type of wild boar, could be first to end up in the tiger's den. There are between 50 and 60 peccaries in the park, not all of which would be slaughtered.

Director Melanie Wood stressed the plans are a last resort, and said the decision would not be taken lightly. Trained staff would carry out any slaughtering quickly and humanely, she said.

Ms Wood said: "We have put this line of thinking off for as long as possible, but these animals have got to eat and the meat supplies are decreasing.

"In fact, the last couple of times we have tried to order meat we have been told the amount would be decreased - they couldn't say by how much - and that we should be grateful for what we do get.

"This isn't a decision that has been taken lightly but we have had very little option and hopefully the stock will replenish themselves quickly - if we have to take the decision."

Asked what would happen if the meat shortages continued after the slaughter, Ms Wood said: "We really haven't thought that far ahead - and remember this is only a possibility at the moment."

An RSPCA spokesperson said it was confident the measures would only be taken out of necessity.

"We would only get involved if there was any evidence of maltreatment. There is no suggestion of that whatsoever," the spokesperson added.

But David Dunne, of the Malton-based Ryedale animal rehabilitation centre, wondered whether the proposed slaughter was really necessary. He said: "I can see their side of the argument, and I know they are saying it is only a possibility and a last resort. But surely there is an abattoir that could make some meat available."

Updated: 16:27 Tuesday, April 03, 2001