You will need a zoo licence to display wild animals to the public for at least seven days a year, in any place that is not a circus or pet shop.
To get a licence your zoo must
- help educate people about biodiversity
- be suitable for the types of animals you're keeping
- have a high standard of animal care
- do as much as possible to stop any animals escaping
- stop pests and vermin getting into the zoo
You must also do at least one of the following
- conservation research or training
- sharing conservation information
- captive animal breeding
- helping repopulate or reintroduce species into the wild
You must make sure the zoo would not affect
- the health and safety of local people
- local law and order
- the animals' well-being
You will not get a licence if anyone working in or managing the zoo has committed an animal welfare offence.
Please email environmentalhealth@runnymede.gov.uk for further information about applying for a zoo licence.
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