Bristol Zoo Project has been recognised for its world class standards of animal welfare, conservation, education and research.
The zoo, which is owned and run by conservation and education charity Bristol Zoological Society, has been awarded Accreditation status from the sector’s leading body, BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
It’s the first larger zoo to receive the accolade, which ranks it among the top zoos and aquariums in the country. The award follows a rigorous process of screenings and visits by industry experts, questionnaires and documented evidence.
Assessors reviewed a range of areas of the zoo’s work, from its standards of animal welfare to its education programme and sustainability strategy.
They also looked at its species plan, which sets out the animals the Society plans to protect and conserve both at Bristol Zoo Project and in the wild. BIAZA praised the standard of thought and detail which has gone into it.
Currently, 85% of animals at the zoo are both threatened and part of targeted conservation programmes. The Society’s aim is for this to rise to 90% by 2035.
High standards of animal welfare were also praised, along with the husbandry training the zoo’s Animal and Veterinary teams undertake with different animals, as part of their daily care and health checks.
The Society’s international conservation work was also reviewed, with assessors commenting on the significant input it has had on efforts globally, as well as for native species in the UK.
The charity currently works in nine countries, across four continents, and is involved in more than 50 co-ordinated breeding programmes. It also directs 20 field conservation projects with more than 30 local partner organisations that conserve and protect some of the world’s most threatened species.
Education is also an important area of the Society’s work, and it currently engages more than 16,000 schoolchildren and 400 higher education students each year. Assessors commended its education plan and focus on expanding and improving conservation education at Bristol Zoo Project, as well as the meaningful difference it makes.
Bristol Zoo Project is currently undergoing a major transformation. Work is underway on an African Forest habitat, where the zoo’s troop of Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas will be joined by Endangered cherry-crowned mangabey monkeys, for the first time in a UK zoo. It will also become home to Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles and several extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish. Endangered African grey parrots, which have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, will also be living in the habitat.
Brian Zimmerman, Director of Conservation and Science at Bristol Zoological Society, said: “This accreditation is an incredible achievement for us as a conservation zoo and charity. It is only possible thanks to the tireless hard work, commitment and expertise of our talented teams, who strive to make Bristol Zoo Project the very best it can be.
“We are extremely proud to be the first larger zoo to receive this award, as BIAZA’s new accreditation programme is rolled out across the UK and Ireland. The process goes above and beyond the UK’s standard zoo licensing inspections and marks the extra efforts of good zoos and aquariums in providing the very best in animal care, while recognising their work to create a better planet for animals and people.
“Here at Bristol Zoo Project, we are on a journey to create a new, progressive conservation zoo with animals living in larger, natural habitats. It will be perfectly placed to engage and inspire the conservationists of the future – ensuring future generations come face-to-face with animals in nature.”
BIAZA is a conservation, education and scientific wildlife charity which brings together the best zoos and aquariums in the UK and Ireland, to create a better future for the planet and its inhabitants. It says accredited organisations demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices and continuous improvement, providing assurance to the public and stakeholders.
Congratulating Bristol Zoo Project on its achievement, Dr Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA, said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis, and we have the power to make a big difference.”
In 2023, BIAZA zoos and aquariums collectively welcomed 32 million visitors, whose visits supported 1650 conservation projects, 1.2 million educational sessions and 1,346 research projects. These ranged from conserving elephants in Nigeria to reintroducing harvest mice here in the UK and providing schools with camera traps to explore our native wildlife.
To find out more about Bristol Zoo Project and Bristol Zoological Society’s conservation programmes across the globe, visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk.
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