From Whipsnade zoo to London zoo, everybody loves visiting the zoo, but what does it take to actually run and operate a zoo?
We make getting your Zoo licence simple, stress-free process ✅
You need a zoo licence if you will be displaying wild animals to the public, with or without charge for admission, for at least 7 days a year.
The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 defines a "zoo" as an establishment where:
✅ Wild animals are kept for exhibition to the public, not including circuses and pet shop (separate licences are required).
✅ Any zoo to which members of the public have access, with or without a charge for admission, and on more than seven days in any period of 12 consecutive months.
Zoos range from traditional zoos and safari parks to small specialist collections, such as butterfly houses and aquaria.
Zoo Licence applications must be made via your local council. You can find the contact details for your local council at the Official UK Government Website.
Applying for a zoo licence is a specialist field and the regulations are complex. It is recommended that a specialist officer from your local council is contacted first for advice and guidance.
You may also need planning permission and you should, therefore, contact the planning unit to discuss whether permission will be needed.
Prior to granting a zoo licence inspection of the premises will be made by local council officers, veterinary surgeons, and zoo inspectors.
A zoo is defined 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, seven or more days in any period of twelve consecutive months'.
No. If you open a zoo without a zoo licence you could receive a fine of up to £2,500. You may also face a fine if you don’t follow the conditions of the zoo licence if you have one.
Once you have successfully obtained a zoo licence you must display your licence or a copy of it at each entrance to the zoo. This must be visible to visitors and members of the public.
If for what ever reason you wish to transfer your zoo licence to another individual you will need to seek approval from the local authority first. Only then will you be able to transfer your zoo licence to another individual.
Yes. Your zoo licence will need to be renewed after 4 years. The renewal process will need to be completed via the local authority.
Weekly instalments of 6 weeks.
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We are open 6am to 6pm on weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends. If you need help outside these hours, visit our help page to find answers to the most commonly asked questions.
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