Guidance

Secretary of State’s standards of modern zoo practice

The Secretary of State specifies minimum standards that zoos in England are expected to meet.

Documents

Standards of modern zoo practice

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Details

The standards have received a technical update and include a new standard on the keeping of elephants in zoos.

Defra’s Animal and Plant Health Agency is responsible for maintaining a list of Secretary of State Zoo Inspectors through its Zoos Inspectorate. Inspectors are expected to refer to the standards when carrying out inspections.

Updates to this page

Published 11 September 2012
Last updated 25 October 2017 + show all updates
  1. Added the updated appendix 8, section 8.8 on elephants.

  2. First published.

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