Born Free maintains the most complete and comprehensive database of zoos in the UK. There are currently more than 300 licensed zoos in operation across the country, and more than 50% of local authorities have one or more licensed zoos within their constituency.<\/p>\n
Born Free\u2019s investigations have revealed that many zoos in the UK do not provide their animals with the best possible living conditions or standards of care. Every year, we receive many visitor reports concerning animal welfare in UK zoos.<\/p>\n
We investigate these concerns, where possible, and raise concerns with the UK authorities, as well as encouraging the wider public to speak out.<\/p>\n
Practices in many UK zoos, such as the use of\u00a0bullhooks\u00a0on captive elephants, the pinioning of birds\u2019 wings to prevent flight in captivity, and the\u00a0culling\u00a0of surplus\u00a0animals are all major issues of concern. Born Free is concerned\u00a0the current zoo licensing and inspection system in the UK often fails to guarantee animal welfare.<\/p>\n
Researchers from Born Free and the University of Bristol published an\u00a0analysis<\/a>\u00a0of the reports of government-appointed inspectors from 192 British zoos.<\/p>\n This analysis\u00a0highlighted concerns about the inspection process, and identified areas where changes would lead to improvements in both the inspection process\u00a0and the monitoring of animal welfare standards in zoos. Overall, the\u00a0findings<\/a>\u00a0indicated that zoos in Britain were not fully compliant with the\u00a0Zoo Licensing Act<\/a>.<\/p>\n