Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

SLOVENIA

The EU Zoo Inquiry 2011

An evaluation of the implementation and enforcement of EC Directive 1999/22

Following the meeting with the Competent Authorities in Slovenia, pre Report publication, it has become necessary to clarify the following: 

Any reference made to the ‘Environmental Agency of the Republic of Slovenia’ in the report should read ‘the Slovenian Environmental Agency’. Furthermore, it must be noted that ‘facilities similar to a zoo’ (Article 2(3), D37/2003) are currently not expected to comply with the requirements of Directive, only the requirements of Slovenian zoo law, which exempts such facilities from undertaking ‘scientific activities’. It must be acknowledged that there is some evidence of zoo inspections having taken place at some of the assessed zoos.  For example, penalties have previously been applied to the chimpanzee and wolf exhibits in Ljubljana Zoo, for failures with respect to the minimum standards (Order ‘on living conditions and care of wild animals in captivity’ applies (Official Gazette No.90/2001, 15/11/2001)). Lastly, page 27, the unpigmented olm is the Proteus anguinus anguinus.

Discussions with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning have positively identified the need to make improvements to Slovenian law as well as the need for guidance on the EU level. The Ministry, and relevant departments, will seek to promote species conservation, a greater consideration for the health and safety of zoo visitors, establishment of a ‘hazardous’ animal categorisation system, clarification of definitions used and improved minimum standards for the keeping of wild animals in captivity, particularly environmental enrichment.

For more information about The EU Zoo Inquiry 2011, please contact Daniel Turner, Project Manager at daniel@bornfree.org.uk