Zoos

You will need to apply for a zoo licence if

• you run a zoo where wild animals are displayed to the public
• animals are on display for at least seven days a year

Circuses and pet shops are exempt from this. The licence and intention to apply are subject to fees.

Contact us to discuss your proposal before you apply.

• Government legislation website - Zoo Licensing Act 1981
• GOV.UK website - Zoo licensing act guide
• GOV.UK website - Secretary of State’s standards of modern zoo practice

• you may not operate the zoo until a licence has been granted - contact us if you have not heard from us within 84 days of application
• before any licence application is considered a new zoo must make the authority aware of their intention to apply for a licence via a notice on the GOV.UK website
• certain information must be provided with the notice and two months will be given to consider the notice including public scrutiny and comment
• if the applicant, their company, the manager or keepers have been convicted of cruelty to animals then the licence will be refused
• conditions will be included with the licence to ensure the safety of the public and the welfare of the animals within the zoo
• for consumer complaints, contact the zoo in writing first then contact us if you need further help