"Do we have regulations in our lives to make sure that we have suitable food, water and housing?

Should animals in captivity also have the same?"

In order for British zoos to be an accredited (good) zoo they must meet the regulations of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) which is a member of both the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). 

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland who owns and manages Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are members of BIAZA, EAZA and WAZA. Through this network, zoo members collaborate on a global scale to further conservation science, natural history, environmental education and animal welfare.

Since 1935, the goal of WAZA has been to guide, encourage and support the zoos, aquariums and like‑minded organisations of the world in animal care and welfare, environmental education and global conservation.

EAZA was formed in 1992 and its mission is to allow cooperation within the European zoo and aquarium community towards the goals of education, research, and conservation. EAZA believes that zoos and aquaria have a strong role to play in protecting nature and wildlife with members collections and their work in the wild. It ensures that its member zoos and aquariums achieve and maintain the highest standards of care and breeding for the species they keep.  

Click on the film or the link to learn about animal welfare in EAZA zoos and aquaria

BIAZA is the professional body representing the best zoos and aquariums in the UK and Ireland. BIAZA has more than 100 zoo and aquarium members whom we support in their commitment to be at the forefront of conservation, education and research. BIAZA zoos and aquariums are leading the way in animal care; from promoting high standards in their daily management, to developing new veterinary techniques.

Is there a need for zoos? Watch this film and decide for yourself.

Are some zoos better than others, if so why?

BIAZA supports and undertakes research to increase our understanding of welfare and facilitate the implementation of this knowledge to ensure we are continuously improving our standards. For more information click the link for the IUCN Commission Statement on the role of botanic gardens, aquariums, and zoos in species conservation

The business of zoos in the UK, with regards to animal welfare, is one of the most heavily regulated sectors in the world. Any site displaying wild animals that are not normally domesticated in the UK is subject to licensing and inspection under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 and the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2003

The Standards of Modern Zoo Practice specifies the minimum standards that zoos in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to meet.

The Zoos Expert Committee Handbook builds on the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice and provides guidance with recommendations and examples to aid zoos, zoo inspectors, local authorities and others having an interest in zoos.

For more information you could have a look at the EAZA modern zoo management document All of this work comes together to make sure animal welfare is maintained.

Enclosures form an essential part of animal welfare this.  Complete the activity below to see if these enclosures are suitable for a modern zoo click on the i button for any hints.