Zoo licence
You must have a licence to run a zoo. It will be subject to specific conditions to ensure proper conduct.
Apply for a zoo licence
You must notify us at least 2 months before making an application. Contact us in writing or by email.
Please include:
- the zoo's location
- what kind of animals you’re going to keep and how many
- how you’ll house and care for the animals
- staff numbers and what they’ll be doing
- expected visitor and vehicle numbers
- zoo entrance and exit points
- how you’ll meet the conservation conditions
- the correct fee (see licensing fees list)
Licensing Fees 2024
Applicants must also publish notice of their intention in one local newspaper and one national newspaper and exhibit a copy of that notice.
The notice must identify the zoo's location. It should also state that the application notice is available from us, the licensing authority, for inspection at: City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP.
Notification of intent to operate a zoo
You must apply for a renewal 6 months before the expiry date of your existing licence.
You can read more about zoo licences at GOV.UK.
Read the regulation summary relating to this licence on gov.uk
What happens next
Tacit consent
It is in the public interest that we must process applications before licences can be granted.
If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact us at [email protected]
Failed application and licence holder redress
Please contact us in the first instance by emailing us at [email protected]
If you wish to appeal against our decision, you may do so to the local Magistrates' Court:
City of Westminster Magistrates' Court,
70 Horseferry Road,
London SW1P 2AX
Appeals must be made within 28 days of the date you received notification of the decision. Magistrates' court decisions can be appealed to the Crown Court.
Published: 10 January 2021
Last updated: 9 May 2024