Zoos: Charities
Commons · Question 109067 · Tabled 28 Jan 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record
Answered 10 Feb 2026
Question
Asked by Andrew Rosindell
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many zoos are operating in the UK; and how many of these are not registered charities.
Answer
Answered by Dame Angela Eagle, 10 Feb 2026
In relation to zoos, Defra is responsible for the legislation that regulates the welfare and management of animals kept by zoos. Under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, those collections of wild animals on exhibition in Britain that meet the appropriate criteri...