Animal welfare rules in British zoos set for major overhaul

Major update in rules for keeping animals in zoos as government introduces new standards which will ensure the UK's famous zoos remain global leaders in the zoo industry.

Larger habitat enclosures for elephants, better training for staff to handle exotic animals, and improved public safety measures will be required as part of the new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain, published today (Saturday 24^th May)   

For the first time in over a decade, the rules protecting Great Britain's most loved zoo animals such as the majestic snowy owl and golden eagle, iconic elephants, and wonders of the sea like sting rays and octopus will be modernised to reflect the very latest in zoo best practice:

• Larger habitats will be introduced for elephants to better replicate the large territories elephants naturally inhabit.
• The practice of tethering birds of prey as a method of long term accommodation will be phased out, with a shift to large aviary enclosures.
• Aquariums will no longer be allowed to let visitors touch fish and cephalopods - creatures such as ray and octopus are highly intelligent animals and handling causes them stress.   

Animal Welfare Minister, Baroness Hayman said:  

"We are a nation of animal lovers, and our best zoos and aquariums are truly world leaders in setting the standard for how wild animals should be kept. 

“Today's long-overdue reforms lay the foundation for an even stronger, even more compassionate future for all zoos and aquariums —and the animals they protect.  This is the first step as part of our commitment to deliver the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation.

“We're making sure all sectors have the tools they need thrive, which is vital in our mission to deliver economic growth and make lives better for people across the country under our Plan for Change”

Cam Whitnall, Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary and star of CBBC's One Zoo Three, said:  

"For too long, zoos have been misunderstood as places of entertainment, but these new standards make it unmistakably clear: modern, good zoos put wildlife first. They are hubs for conservation, education, and world-leading animal care. I'm proud to be part of the UK's zoo, sanctuary and aquarium community, setting the global benchmark for the welfare of endangered species.

“This is a huge step forward and also a call to action for other countries to now raise their standards, so animals everywhere benefit from the same level of care, and we can align globally for wildlife."

Dr Jo Judge, CEO of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) which represents over 130 zoos and aquariums said:

“The new standards are a significant step up in legal requirements and cement Britain's position as a global leader for zoos and aquariums. BIAZA members already lead the way in animal care and conservation and we have been working closely with Defra officials to realise these updated standards. 

“We are delighted to see them published today, demonstrating government's and the sector's commitment to the highest levels of animal care, and helping empower zoos and aquariums to keep leading the fight for nature.”

Jamie Christon, CEO at Chester Zoo, said:

“We were delighted to welcome the Zoos Minister, Baroness Hayman, to Chester Zoo for the official launch of the updated Secretary of State's standards of modern zoo practice.

“These new standards set a clear vision for the future of zoos in the UK and we're pleased to have worked closely with Defra to help shape them and ensure that they represent world class animal care.”

Kathryn England, Chief Operating Officer for ZSL, the international conservation charity behind London and Whipsnade Zoos said:

“These standards will help bring the whole sector up to a level the public rightly expects – and that animals everywhere deserve. 

“London and Whipsnade Zoos are conservation powerhouses, delivering world-leading animal care and driving global efforts to protect wildlife. We welcome these new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice and the clarity they bring - every animal in every UK zoo deserves the same high standard of care, and every zoo should be contributing meaningfully to conservation.”

Other measures in the Standards include:  

• Improved conservation - Clear steps to help enforce conservation standards with new requirements for record keeping – helping drive up standards across the whole sector. This could include breeding programs for endangered species, research into animal behaviour and reproduction, and education to raise awareness about conservation issues. There will also be a curb on the sourcing of animals from the wild.  
• Protecting the public - All zoos will need to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place if they want to keep dangerous animals, including double-gated entry systems, lone worker procedures, and the appropriate availability of firearms.

• Updated business plans – To ensure zoos are prepared to protect animals in the event of financial hardship, they will now be required to develop clear business continuity plans  

There is a 2 year timeline on zoos and aquariums to adapt to the changes, with further phased timelines for some species-specific changes. This gives enough time to implement the changes efficiently, while support and guidance will be available -keeping welfare at the heart of zoo operations.  

These changes, part of the wider Plan for Change, will modernise the way animals are cared for in zoos and aquariums and reaffirm the UK's position as a global leader in ethical and responsible wildlife management. The new published standards are available from today on gov.uk.