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How are zoos regulated and legislated in uk and beyond? Uk zoos are currently licensed by the zoo licensing act. The act  requires all zoos to be licensed by the local authority, this  applies to collections that have their animals on display for 7+ days a year over a 12 month period.  The secretary of states  standards of modern zoo practice will not replace the  zoo licensing act but it will change the guidelines for zoo  management and animal care

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Zoos in Europe are regulated by the EU Zoos Directive, which sets standards for animal welfare and conservation in zoos.

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How are zoos regulated/legislated in the UK and beyond?

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How are zoos regulated/legislated in the UK and beyond?

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Zoo licencing Act 1981 – Local Authorities are required to consider an inspector’s report of the zoo before deciding on granting a license. The local authorities have a duty to refuse zoo licensing applications if they are not satisfied with any of the following factors:

-        Health and Safety of persons living in proximity to the zoo

-        The zoo not meeting or taking steps to meeting conservation efforts.

-        Standards of accommodation, staffing, management and health and safety for staff.

-        If the zoo has any previous convictions under the zoo licensing act – including under other names.

-        If planning permission for the zoo is not satisfactory.

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How are zoos regulated/legislated in the UK and beyond?

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How are zoos regulated/legislated in the UK and beyond?

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Secretary of State’s Standards for Modern Zoo Practice

These standards state that the zoo licensing act license must be displayed at the public entrance to the zoo.

These standards state that all zoos in member states should

-        Participate in research that will be beneficial for conservation – whether this be captive breeding, repopulation or reintroduction of a species into the wild.

-        Promote public awareness and education in relation to biodiversity, conservation – particularly by providing information about the species exhibited

-        Accommodate animals under conditions which aim to satisfy both their biological needs and any conservation requirements of the individual species – this includes providing species specific enrichment and maintaining high standards of husbandry with a detailed programme for preventative veterinary care and nutrition.

-        Prevent the escape of animals, to avoid possible threats to native species and the prevention of vermin and pests.

-        Keep up-to-date records on the zoos collection – e.g Zims.

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Association of zoos and aquariums (AZA) which aims to help the conservation, education, science and recreation it also aims to create high standards of animal care to prevent extinction and collaborates with various research initiatives to protect wildlife

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Local authority as enforcer: The local authority is responsible for enforcing and issuing a license

Multi-inspector teams: Formal inspections are conducted by a group of people, including the local authority and a minimum of two specialist inspectors from the government, including a veterinarian surgeon

Binding license conditions: if the local authority finds any deficiencies within the zoo, this can be escalated to the local authority, who may then add a legally binding condition to the zoo license, which must then be addressed within a provided timeframe

Informal inspections: Local authorities are required to carry out an informal inspection during any year that a formal inspection does not take place

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WAZA promotes cooperation between leading zoos, aquariums, and national and regional associations. This organisation also works with wildlife experts, academies, and universities. WAZA provides support for species conservation management and animal husbandry in human care while encouraging the highest standards in member institutions.

WAZA and its members are committed to important environmental goals and sustainability. This organisation also helps battle the illegal wildlife trade.

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WAZA - How do zoos regulate/legislate in the UK and beyond?

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WAZA - How do zoos regulate/legislate in the UK and beyond?

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They regulate zoos primarily by setting ethical and welfare standards. This is done through their code of ethics and other guidelines. The code of ethics was last updated by WAZA in 2023, updating from the 2003 framework.  WAZA are a global zoo association, but they do not directly regulate UK zoos, as they are regulated by local authorities under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981.

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The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums are both significant organisations in animal care and conservation. WAZA is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos, and aquariums dedicated to caring for and conserving animals and their habitats. WAZA members are committed to inspiring and engaging the public to take action for species conservation.

EAZA focuses on conservation, research, and education. It represents the best zoos and aquariums in Europe, Western Asia, and many other countries, supporting their commitment to these areas. EAZA members provide high standards of animal care, conservation, education, research, and population management.

Both organisations play important roles in conserving species and promoting awareness. They provide a platform for collaboration and support among their members, ensuring that efforts contribute to the wider effort in a sustainable way.

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What role do membership organisations play? - Maintain welfare standards for animals in member zoos, funding research and ex-situ conservation programmes, provide oversight for the facility to follow EU regulations.

1. What is the difference between them? - EAZA handles day-to-day conservation, breeding programmes and welfare. WAZA provides general oversight, and unites global programmes, yet doesn’t get involved in the day-to-day.

2. What is the value to members? - Access to lectures, academic course discounts, prestige, access to exclusive breeding programmes and membership exclusives.

3. How important is membership to different stakeholders? - Very important, as it shows care for welfare and conservation for the species within their collections.

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WAZA - How is regulation implemented? How effective is this?

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WAZA - How is regulation implemented? How effective is this?

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They do not directly regulate zoos through legal authorities, but they foster a network of zoos and associations which follow the high standards. If a zoo is found in non-compliance with WAZA ethics and welfare, then the zoo can be disciplined, which can lead to its expulsion from WAZA.

There have been examples from the past 10 years of WAZA-affiliated zoos that have been accused of abuse or mistreating animals in their zoos. The National Geographic (2019) reported that an animal welfare group called World Animal Protection (WAP) flagged hundreds of WAZA-affiliated zoos for the mistreatment of their animals. 75% of WAZA's 1241 members, including 'indirect' members, offer at least one animal-visitor interaction, which can be damaging for animals' mental and physical wellbeing. There have also been reports in the Guardian (Milman, 2015) that reports a WAZA-affiliated zoo in Malaysia and another in Sri Lanka, which had elephants performing tricks and being threatened with sticks if they did not perform them. In 2015, the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA), has been previously suspended due to their continued acquisition of dolphins from the controversial Taiji drive hunts, the suspension was lifted as JAZA stated they would expel its members who continued to buy dolphins caught in the Taiji drive hunts.

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Fanatical strain: The Born Free Foundation has highlighted that the legislation does not adequately protect animals if a zoo is forced to close due to financial problems. They have called for a "Zoo Insurance Bond" to cover the welfare and humane dispersal of animals in such cases

Vague conservation requirements: Animal welfare groups, such as the Born Free Foundation, argue that conservation and education criteria are too broad and lack specific, measurable requirements to ensure meaningful conservation outcomes.

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Question 1, Answer 1:

Zoo licensing act 1981 (ZLA).

DEFRA

Government inspectors.

Accreditation program: BIAZA, the British and Irish association of zoos and aquariums runs its own accreditation program that provides a framework for its members zoos to achieve high standards of animal welfare, conservation and education.

Question 2, answer 2:

The regulations of Zoos in the UK under BIAZA are implemented by the government standards, key partners and the public.

Question 3, answer 3:

Membership role is critical in zoo setting as they provide funding, knowledge, (it’s to provide higher experiences for the public) its taking the extra step of appreciation for the natural world.

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How is regulation implemented? How effective is this?

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How is regulation implemented? How effective is this?

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Zoo licensing Act 1981

Zoo licenses run for four years initially, once renewed the license will run for six years.

There are four types of inspections that can occur under the zoo licensing act.

License and periodical – These would include the secretary of state inspections.

Special and informal – These would include people from the local council.

The Zoo licensing act is effective due to the strict regulations and due to how frequently zoos are inspected to ensure they continue to meet the necessary standards.

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American association of zoos and aquaria

1.      How are zoos regulated in the US vs Britain and Ireland

In the US zoos are regulated weakly by federal legislation and local state governments. AZA is a nonprofit that is voluntary to join that accredits zoos and aquaria. Accreditation is voluntary and basically gives a zoo a seal of approval for welfare standards. Which is judged by a team of impartial experts.

Fewer than 10% of 2800 animal exhibitors are accredited.

2.      How is regulation implemented?

This has no government enforcement whatsoever given the ineffective welfare laws of the US. However, accreditation is good PR and can help set a good example.

In order to get accreditation, an inspection must be carried out every 5 years. It looks at welfare care, financial stability and veterinary care.

It is inspected by PHD and DVM professionals.

3.      What role do membership organizations play?

a.      Difference between BIAZA and AZA:

With BIAZA it is enforced by the welfare laws of the UK and Ireland. It is backed up by welfare laws. AZA can only accredit zoos with high

welfare standards. This is due to the incredibly poor welfare legislation of the united states.

b.     Value to members:

AZA accreditation is heavily respected by the USDA and OSHA. So, at the very least it will but a zoo in a positive light.

c.      How important is the membership to different stakeholders:

AZA is good public relations but for an individual zoo that does care about outside opinion AZA membership would not be particularly tempting.

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How are zoos regulated/legislated in the UK and beyond? (EAZA)

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How are zoos regulated/legislated in the UK and beyond? (EAZA)

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EAZA does not provide legislation but instead guidelines which members must maintain at a high standard to obtain/keep their membership. They also have an accreditation programme for members to validate their efforts through peer review. The guidelines provided follow the One Health Principle and are species specific. EAZA collaborates with BIAZA and WAZA through shared membership and global standards for conservation.

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Roles of membership organisations and the difference between them

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Roles of membership organisations and the difference between them

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3 – Membership organisations and stakeholders collaborate on projects beneficial to animals including conservation, welfare, research, and sustainable practice.

A – EAZA is a member of WAZA and only regulates policies for European zoos and aquariums. EAZA endeavours to meet goals set by WAZA including the 2027 Population Management Goal. EAZA has a seat on the WAZA council to co operate on projects.

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3B – The value to members includes the ability to work on collaborate projects and use equipment, research, and facilities around the world. It gives them a recognised status as an institution that provides the highest standard of animal welfare.

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How is membership important to stakeholders

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How is membership important to stakeholders

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3C – Stakeholders including international bodies such as UN tourism, collaborate on environmental education in order to address global issues. Some issues addressed include creating sustainable palm oil use, coral reef restoration and the illegal wildlife trade. The importance of being a stakeholder is to advance conservation goals through global cooperation. Some stakeholders will have more interest in WAZA at different times depending on the current issue being addressed. One example is IZE currently having a seat on the WAZA council to have their own voice regarding education.

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What role do membership organisations play?

-Membership bodies contribute to the standards of modern zoo practice which are set out by the secretary of state and are used by local authorities when assessing to grant a zoo license.

-Organisations have members who specialise in conservation, education and animal sciences offering guidance to ensure that zoos meet the requirements of the Zoo Licensing Act and associated standards.

-Ensure Zoos adhere to the standards

-Stakeholders play a vital role in maintaining and upholding Modern Zoo practices and legislation

-Develop schemes that align or exceed standards and provide resources and guidance to meet the requirements.

-Stakeholders collect data and conduct research in order to help them interpret and meet requirements

-Use this to make advancements in conservation and improve legislation.

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1 - CITES regulates the trade of endangered species, impacting how zoos acquire animals and participate in conservation programs. Compliance with CITES is mandatory for zoos that house threatened species, directing their operations towards ethical wildlife management. The Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare, while not legally binding, emphasizes the need for the humane treatment of animals globally.

WAZA’s role is to implement and enforce these policies within the zoos in their organisation. It contains 250 institutional members and 1300 zoos linked through regional and national associations. Regional organizations such as EAZA are under the regulations of WAZA and it acts as a basic guideline for animal welfare, and conservation. Regional members may then adapt this to be more extensive.

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Waza membership is crucial for various stakeholders involved in the zoo and aquarium industry. It provides a platform for collaboration and support, ensuring members adhere to high standards of care and conservation. WAZA membership includes associations, institutions, affiliations, and corporations. Each contributes to the global conservation mission. The organisation's vision is to be a globally recognised leader in advancing conservation and animal welfare. Its membership plays a pivotal role in uniting zoos and aquariums worldwide to achieve high animal welfare and conservation.

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The EAZA regulations mandate strict adherence to EAZA’s standards for welfare accommodation and care which cover enclosure design, nutrition, health, and the mental wellbeing of animals using the five domains model.

This framework includes: nutrition/physical environment/ health/ behavioural interactions and mental state

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Importance of Compliance to Stakeholder Groups 

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Importance of Compliance to Stakeholder Groups 

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Management and Staff

Non-Compliance is a threat to the zoos livelihood

Could result in closure of the organisation and therefore loss of jobs.

Staff reputation can be damaged to peers if zoo is non-compliant

Staff don't usually want to work for/associate with an organisation that is not ethical and legal

General public / visitors

Compliance ensures consistent visitors as there is a level of trust that the zoo is ethical and legal

Visitors expect that a zoo will follow the law

Local Communities

Concern for public safety (Escape procedures)

Communities want to know that a zoo is responsibly managed which can be shown through compliance

Local support will be lost if non-compliant

Government and regulators

Non-compliance will reflect poorly on the overseeing bodies ability to enforce legislation (e.g. DEFRA)

Conservation and Welfare Groups

Legislation is a minimum Benchmark

Non-Compliance can damage partnerships

Educators and Researchers

Compliance ensures educational institutions can partner with and be hosted by zoos

Donors and Sponsors

Expect their support to go to ethical organisations

Donors reputation can be damaged by associating with a non-compliant organisation

Membership and Accreditation Bodies

Zoos will lose accreditation if they are non-compliant