More than 126,000 people have signed a petition demanding the closure of a wildlife park which has been accused of neglecting the animals in its care.

The petition was set up by former volunteers of the Black Isle Wildlife Park, who were shocked by the condition the animals were kept in.

Charlotte Lawson and her partner Rita Badia worked at the former Highland zoo for a week on July 3 this year They claim that the basic needs of the "neglected" animals are not met with unclean enclosures, overcrowded areas and the wildlife suffering behaviour and skin problems.

The zoo's licence was revoked in 2016.

The move caused all the exotic animals to be rehomed but it has been allowed to keep domestic animals such as chickens and goats.

A string of damning one-star reviews on tourism website Tripadvisor have described the park as "dreadful", "unbearable" and "not worth a second chance".

In a passionate post on Care2 Petitions, Charlotte called for Highland Council to shut the troubled park down.

She wrote: "It's hard to believe the park is open to the public, customers pay which funds the park being open.

"They pay to walk around a park which is a shambles, enclosures which haven't been cleaned maybe ever, broken fences are just the start, overcrowded small spaces, and animals which visibly look neglected and depressed.

"One week volunteering was enough to see the "black isle wildlife park" Is nothing but an abandoned prison for domestic animals "The park is the most horrifying place I've ever visited let alone volunteered at and seen what horrors lie behind closed doors.

"Myself and Rita are scarred from what we've witnessed. The lack of passion or generally empathy for these animals is despicable.

"The park was closed for three months last year and their exotic licence was revoked what I don't understand is why they ever got a licence back and why these poor domestic animals are not being rehomed and put under proper care."

The petition wants Highland Council and the Scottish SPCA to refuse a licence for the wildlife park.

Animal Concern Advice Line has been calling for closure of the Park since October 2014 after distressing pictures emerged showing the poor condition of animals in the park.

ACAL secretary John Robins said: "This has been a long drawn out saga of neglect, cruelty and suffering.

"The talking must stop and, unless the owners agree to give up all their animals for rehoming, the only option is to prosecute them under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and ask the courts to ban them from keeping animals."

Park manager Alison Gallagher has been approached for comment and has previously refuted the claims made by Miss Lawson.

Speaking in July, when the petition was first launched, she said that she had sacked the volunteers for misconduct.

She said: "If there was any neglect here, we would be the first to close down.

"We have up to date health plans and medical records and the animals are well looked after and are cared for and friendly."