Dr Rebecca Biddle responds to the UK Government's new zoo standards
24th May 2025
Today (Saturday 24 May 2025), the UK Government has published the new Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. These are the official guidelines set by DEFRA that all licensed zoos in the UK must follow. Outlining the legal requirements for how zoos should care for animals, ensure public safety and contribute to conservation, education, and research.
Twycross Zoo welcomes these new standards, and in response, Dr Rebecca Biddle, Chief Conservation Officer at Twycross Zoo said...
“Twycross Zoo fully supports the publication of the new zoo standards, which mark an important step forward for animal welfare and conservation in the UK.
Good zoos are vital hubs for saving species; and we need them now more than ever.
As one of the UK’s leading conservation charity zoos, Twycross Zoo has long championed a future-focussed, evidence-based approach to animal care. I am proud to say that we are already meeting or exceeding many of the new guidelines that have been published today.
These changes reflect the expectations of a society that rightly values animal welfare and the role zoos play in global conservation efforts. From providing enriching habitats, to supporting vital conservation and research initiatives, Twycross Zoo is committed to going above and beyond, to not only meet these standards but help drive them forward.
We look forward to continuing our work, alongside the UK’s other leading conservation zoos to ensure that our country remains a global leader in animal welfare and conservation impact.”
For press and media enquiries please contact pressoffice@twycrosszoo.org
