NewsHail
25 May 2025
Zoos will have to give animals more space to live in. This is part of new rules to make sure animals are treated better. These rules are long overdue.
The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said the new rules will update how British zoos work. The last big change was more than ten years ago.
Elephants must get bigger homes. The rules will stop some bad practices. For example, birds of prey can no longer be tied up for a long time. Also, visitors will not be allowed to touch fish and animals like rays and octopuses.
Jamie Christon, the boss of Chester Zoo, told the BBC he liked the new rules. The zoos already started to follow them.
Zoos and aquariums will have two years to make the changes. They must also keep dangerous animals safely and work harder to save wildlife.
Mr. Christon said the zoo helped Defra make the new rules. He said they are not a big surprise.
He added, “The rules have been delayed for two years because of changes in government. This meant zoos could not spend money on improvements. Now, the 196 pages of rules can be used.”
Chester Zoo plans to make its elephant home bigger soon.
Baroness Hayman, the animal welfare minister, said this is the first step in a plan for big changes in animal care.
She said, “We love animals in this country. Our best zoos and aquariums are leaders in how to care for wild animals.
“These new rules build a better, kinder future for zoos, aquariums, and the animals they protect.”
Dr. Jo Judge, head of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, said members worked closely with Defra to meet the new rules.
She said, “These new rules raise the legal standards a lot. They make Britain a world leader in caring for zoo and aquarium animals.”
