Zoo Regulations of the United Kingdom

1. Zoo Regulations of the United Kingdom Nicole Mann

2. Regulation BIAZA UK Government Supports a strong legislature Prioritize and emphasize Animal Welfare Physical Health Mental Health Social Grouping Space/Complexity Enrichment • Dictates Zoos must have licenses to operate • Regulated by Defra in Wales and England • The Scottish Executive in Scotland • The Department of the Environment in N. Ireland • Operates regular inspections

3. Zoo Licensing Act of 1981 • States • All zoos are open to the public • Animals normally domesticated in Great Britain are not wild, therefore “zoos” consisting only of these animals are not zoos under the Act • Defines • Conservation measures required of licensed zoos • Including research, training, breeding, reintroduction, and requirements for exhibits • How to obtain a zoo license • How a license can be renewed and approved or rejected • How a license can be revoked

4. Failure to Meet Regulations • A zoo can be closed if: • The provisions of a license pertaining to conservation have not been met in respect to the entire zoo • In this case, the zoo must be closed • The local authority is positive that a license condition other than conservation has not been met • The local authority are positive any reasonable requirement related to the grounds or behavior of the zoo as alerted to the license holder in result of a report or inspection under the Act that is not complied with • The local authority is positive the zoo has been run in a unruly manner, or it has become a problem, or any condition of the license has not been met • A keeper, or any zoo employee, is convicted of an offense under section 4(4) with the license holder’s knowledge • This section states than an offender is someone that “has been convicted of an offence under this Act or under any of the enactments mentioned in subsection (5) or of any other offence involving the ill-treatment of animals.”

5. Hiring Requirements • All requirements recommended by BIAZA, actual requirements vary by zoo • Veterinarians and Surgeons • Good grades in three A-Level subjects, often Chemistry, Biology, and Physics or Math • Work experience in a farm, kennel, cattery, zoo, stables or veterinary practice is desirable • Training is a five-year course at the university • Zoologist • Minimum of 5 GCSE grades and at least two A-Level subjects, Chemistry and Biology are recommended • A Bachelor’s in Zoology or Applied Zoology is required, specializing and having a Master’s or PhD is recommended • Zookeepers • Qualifications vary by zoo, however, many require five GCSEs, natural sciences is recommended • Another recommended course is an NVQ in Animal

6. Animals Requiring Permits • According to Defra, moving any zoo animal between countries of the United Kingdom requires a permit • Endangered species require more permits than non-endangered species

7. References • BIAZA Public Access. Web. 13 Sept. 2010. <http://www.biaza.org.uk/>. • "Zoo Licensing - Luton BC." Council Homepage - Luton BC. Web. 13 Sept. 2010. <http://www.luton.gov.uk/internet/references/a_z/z/licence - zoo>. • "Defra, UK - Animal Health and Welfare - International Trade - Animal Exports." Untitled Document. Web. 13 Sept. 2010. <http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/animaltrade/eu/animals/index.htm>. • “BIAZA." Free Educational Resources for Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities. Web. 13 Sept. 2010. <http://www.infomat.net/offsite/biaza/jobs.asp>.