We are calling for the government to urgently review zoo legislation amid concerns that the current legal requirements of zoos relating to animal welfare, conservation and education are broad, non-specific and fail to ensure any intended meaningful benefit for wild animals in the wild or held in zoos. Such criteria, which all zoos should be required to meet, must be transparent, meaningful, measurable and in the public domain.
The majority of species held by UK zoos are not threatened with extinction, financial contributions to in situ conservation are a small fraction of what zoos are spending on new exhibits and the conservation measures required of zoos lack the criteria to ensure real conservation benefits.
It is also clear that zoos were financially unprepared for long-term closure as experienced during COVID-19. The creation of a Zoo Insurance Bond is urgently needed to ensure the care and welfare of animals at a zoo which is forced to close, and, where closed permanently, their humane dispersal to other appropriate facilities during what could be a protracted winding-up period;
Below you will find a number of actions you can take to help resolve the situation.
Use the link below to write to your MP.
You can use our template letter to politely but firmly ask them to support revision and improvement of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, particularly with regards to the conservation requirements of zoos.
Born Free is working to ensure members of the public are able to make informed decisions when considering whether to visit a zoo. If you agree, please share our campaign with your family and friends using the buttons above on the right.
Donate today and help Born Free in its campaign against keeping wild animals in captivity.
