CAPTIVE WILD ANIMALS IN THE UK

You should never underestimate your power to help captive wild animals in need. By voicing your concerns directly, you could make a real difference.

WHO TO WRITE TO

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Local authorities are responsible for licensing zoos, pet shops, and other facilities that keep wild animals. Performing animals (in circuses, etc) are registered by county councils. You can find the right local authority to contact at www.gov.uk/find-local-council. Search using the facility’s postcode or town.

THE FACILITY

It is important the facility hears directly from concerned customers and visitors. Many places claim they never receive complaints, so please make your concerns known.

NATIONAL ZOO ASSOCIATION

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is a professional body claiming to represent the 'best zoos and aquariums in the UK'. If you have visited a BIAZA member zoo, raise your concerns. Find a member at https://biaza.org.uk/members/all. Contact details at https://biaza.g.uk/contact.

YOUR UK PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVE

You can find the contact details for your UK parliamentary representative at www.writetothem.com

THE MEDIA

Tell them about your experience and concerns. Sending them accompanying images may also help.

WRITE A REVIEW

Write a review on a website such as Trip Advisor. This is a great source of information and useful for spreading the word about captive wild animals at facilities and locations around the world.

WHAT TO WRITE

Effective emails or letters are short and concise. Around 300 words should be adequate to relay your comments and concerns. Be specific about why you are writing and what concerns you. Did you visit the facility with your family or friends? Did you pay an entry fee or buy a ticket? If you did, you have the right to raise your concerns about the welfare of the wild animals you encountered.

WHAT TO INCLUDE

The date of your visit
What you personally witnessed, including what animals you saw or are concerned about
Where you saw the animals, the name of the facility and its location
Describe the conditions the wild animals were in or how the animals were treated
Explain if the animals were being made to perform tricks and what they were doing
Describe your feelings at the time
Ask direct questions that require an answer, such as can you assure me that my concerns will be investigated? Are you aware this treatment is going on? What are the laws concerning the welfare of animals in zoos, circuses, etc? You could ask to see a copy of the zoo’s most recent inspection
If you have images to support your concerns, include them with your letter or email
Ask for a reply and give your contact details, including name, address and/or email
Please be polite and courteous. You are less likely to receive an answer if you rant or are rude. You want the people you are writing to, to take you seriously
Please send Born Free copies of any replies you receive, either by email or to our UK office (marked FAO Captivity Programme)