Standards of modern zoo practice

The standards of modern zoo practice set out the minimum standards that zoos are expected to meet. The standards cover:

• animal welfare
• public safety
• conservation
• education

The National Assembly for Wales Standards of Modern Zoo Practice 2006 will remain in effect until 23 May 2027. The 2006 standards cover Wales only, with England and Scotland subject to the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice 2012.

The new standards of modern zoo practice 2027 on Gov.UK will come into effect from 24 May 2027 and will cover Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).

The new standards include:

• new requirements for tethering birds of prey. These will come into effect on 1 January 2030 (read Appendix A6: birds of prey)
• the use of the free contact management, the ankus and electric goads for elephants must be phased out by 1 January 2030 (read Appendix A8: elephants)
• new requirements for enclosure sizes for elephants will come into effect on 1 January 2040 (read Appendix A8: elephants)

Zoo inspectors will refer to these standards when they carry out inspections.