- New standards released by Defra set out updated licensing requirements for zoos, aquariums and safari parks in Britain.
- The new standards have been welcomed as the biggest changes in legal requirements for the zoo sector in decades by the national association representing zoos and aquariums who say that Britain now leads the world in zoo regulation.
- Standards set out increased requirements on animal welfare, conservation and education.
- The new standards sets clearer expectations for touch pools in aquariums.
- However, the charity warns Defra that steps must be taken to ensure these new standards can be properly enforced, including resourcing Local Authorities.
- BIAZA also warns that other areas of animal welfare regulation now fall behind Britain’s zoo sector.
Government has set out new standards to improve the regulation of zoos in Britain, which has been welcomed by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) - a charity representing British and Irish zoos. 110 pages of detailed regulations set the standards against which zoos are inspected to achieve their license to operate.
Dr Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA said: “These new regulations are the most advanced in the world and will mean that Government, the British public and the zoo sector can all be rightly proud of our animal welfare, conservation and education.”
Posted On: 27/05/2025
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