Country:      UK

 

Name:         Zoos Forum

 

Website:        http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/zoos/zoos-forum.htm

 

Scope: 

To encourage the role of zoos in conservation, education and scientific research; to keep under review the operation and implementation of the zoo licensing system in the UK and to advise or make recommendations to Ministers of any legislative or other changes that may be necessary. The Forum can consider any animal-related issue where there is a specific zoo interest and offer advice on animal welfare where no other more suitable body exists through which these views could be more appropriately put.

 

Structure:    

 There are 13 members.

Working methods: 

The Forum can investigate any specific aspects of zoo policy and practice falling within its remit; consider any animal-related issue where there is a specific zoo interest and offer advice on animal welfare where no other more suitable body exists through which these views could be more appropriately put; seek and obtain detailed advice or assistance from other persons or organisations with knowledge or experience appearing to the Forum to be relevant to its work; assess the evolving role of zoos in society; and foster a fuller understanding of that role; communicate freely with outside bodies, the European Commission and the public; and publish its advice independently.

 

 

Contact details:

Secretariat: Wildlife Species Conservation Division

DEFRA, Zone 1/11 Temple Quay House

2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6EB, UK 

Zoos Forum publications (these are published as chapters in the Zoos Forum Handbook)

The ethical review process  

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/zoos/documents/zoo-handbook/1.pdf

 

There are times when a balance has to be struck between what is best in terms of conservation, education, disease control or other goals and what is best for the interests, particularly the welfare, of individual animals. These decisions may be difficult and the aim of ethical review is to help ensure that all these concerns are taken fully into account. This chapter provides guidance on operating the ethical review process in zoos.

 

Conservation, education and research

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/zoos/documents/zoo-handbook/2.pdf

 

This chapter provides advice and guidance to help zoos fulfill their potential and meet their obligations under the EU Zoos Directive for conservation, education and research.

 

 

 Sustainability initiatives in UK zoos

  

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/zoos/documents/zoo-handbook/3.pdf

 

This chapter attempts to define and illustrate the role of sustainable development as relevant to zoos in the United Kingdom. It explains the concept of sustainable development and its applicability to zoos. It also summarises structures and procedures that can encourage sustainable development, including examples of specific positive measures and good practice from UK zoos.

 

 

Animal welfare and its assessment

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/zoos/documents/zoo-handbook/4.pdf

 

The aim of this chapter is to assist zoos and zoo inspectors evaluate the welfare of animals and in so doing, help promote high standards of animal husbandry in line with the requirements of the EU Zoos Directive.

 

 

Diving in zoos and aquariums

 

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/zoos/documents/zoo-handbook/5.pdf

 

The aim of this chapter is to provide zoo inspectors and local authorities with the necessary guidance for good practice relating to diving in aquariums to help both the zoo licensing and inspection process. It also outlines the procedures involved with diving in aquariums that are covered by the UK’s Health and Safety Executive.

 

Veterinary Services

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/zoos/documents/zoo-handbook/6.pdf

 

The aim of this chapter is to provide guidance to zoo managers, Local Authorities and zoo inspectors where the minimum standards of veterinary service may lie, and the various options for achieving a far better than minimum level of veterinary care in a licensed zoo.