Zoos

Licence summary

To run a zoo in England, Scotland and Wales, you need a licence from the local authority under The Zoo Licensing Act 1981.

The Act defines a zoo as being "an establishment where wild animals are kept for exhibition to which members of the public have access, with or without charge for admission, on more than 7 days in any period of 12 consecutive months".

This definition means that licensed zoos can range from the traditional type of zoo and safari park to small specialist collections such as butterfly houses and aquaria.

The Act recognises this wide range of establishments by allowing dispensations to be granted for small zoos.

Initial licences are valid for 4 years. Subsequent licences are valid for 6 years.

Please ensure that the premises have the required Planning Portal before you make your application.

The application process

Pre-application Notification

• At least 2 months before making an application for a licence, the applicant must give notice in writing to the local authority of their intention to make the application. The notice must identify:

• • the zoo's location

  • the types of animals and approximate number of each group kept for exhibition on the premises and the arrangements for their accommodation, maintenance and wellbeing

  • the approximate numbers and categories of staff to be employed at the zoo

  • the approximate number of visitors and motor vehicles for which accommodation is to be provided

  • the approximate number and position of the means of access to be provided to the premises

  • how required conservation measures will be implemented at the zoo.

• Publish notice of that intention in 1 local newspaper and 1 national newspaper and exhibit a copy of that notice.

• • the notice must identify the location of the zoo and state that the application notice to the local authority is available to be inspected at the local authority offices and on our website

  • display a copy of the notice at the proposed zoo site

  • provide us with a copy of the notice for public comment.

When considering an application, the local authority shall consider any representations made by or on behalf of:

• the applicant

• the chief officer of police in the relevant area

• the appropriate authority - this is either the enforcing authority or relevant authority in whose area the zoo will be situated

• the governing body of any national institution concerned with the operation of zoos

• where part of the zoo is not situated in the area of the local authority with power to grant the licence, a planning authority for the relevant area (other than a county planning authority) or, if the part is situated in Wales, the local planning authority for the area in which it is situated

• any person alleging that the zoo would affect the health or safety of people living in the neighbourhood

• anyone stating that the zoo would affect the health or safety of anyone living near it

• any other person whose representations might show grounds on which the authority has power or duty to refuse to grant a licence.

How to apply

After the 2-month period, you can complete the application via our online portal. During this time, you can upload relevant documents and pay the fee.

Once we have received a valid application, the team will arrange the inspection of the premises. The formal zoo inspection will be carried out by a team of inspectors, including an authorised appointed officer from the council together with specialist zoo inspectors who are appointed by the Secretary of State.

At least 28 days’ notice of the inspection shall be provided by the local authority.

Decision

The inspection team will produce a report of its findings. The report will be used to decide whether to grant or refuse a licence and will advise you in writing of the decision.

We will not grant a zoo licence if we believe the zoo could:

• put the health or safety of people living nearby at risk

• seriously affect law and order; or

• fail to meet the required conservation measures

• the local authority is not satisfied that accommodation, staffing or management standards are suitable for the proper care and wellbeing of the animals or for the proper conduct of the zoo

• the applicant, or if the applicant is an incorporated company, the company or any of the company's directors, managers, secretaries or other similar officers, or a keeper in the zoo, has been convicted of any offence involving the ill-treatment of animals.

You may also be refused a licence if you have been disqualified from keeping animals or have a conviction under any animal welfare legislation.

Mid Term Inspections

During the length of your licence, it will be subject to a range of formal and informal inspections. The formal ones will include Secretary Appointed inspectors, Local Authority Officers and LA Appointed inspector.

The informal ones will usually be the Local Authority Officers and LA Appointed inspector (if required)

Renewals

Applications to renew a licence will be considered no later than six months before the expiry of the existing licence, unless a shorter time period is allowed by the local authority.

Please apply to renew using our online portal and upload the relevant documents.

Introducing New Animals - Special Inspection

When looking to introduce new animals to your collection (usually from the Category One list), you must notify the Local Authority no later than 28 days prior to them arriving.

To notify us, please complete the online form via the online portal and supply the relevant documents.

The Local Authority will then schedule a Special Inspection to take place; this will include Local Authority Officers and Local Authority-appointed Inspector.

Fees

**Fees for veterinary surgeons, specialist advisers (Defra SoS) and Local Authority appointed inspectors include:

• travel time to and from the premises

• the time spent at the premises and

• any necessary administration in connection with the licence.

If a zoo fails to meet the terms and conditions of the licence, further charges to cover Local Authority and any third party costs may be payable when you renew your licence.

Does tacit consent apply?

No. It is in the public interest that you obtain a licence before operating a zoo.

Appeals and complaints

If you are refused a licence or want to appeal against a licence condition, please see our Licensing Complaints and Customer Support webpage. If the problem cannot be resolved, you can appeal to the local Magistrates’ Court.

How do we use your information?

View the Privacy Notice – Zoos.