Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm recognised as a leader in animal welfare with prestigious BIAZA accreditation

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm has become one of the first zoos in the UK to achieve accreditation by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and to be awarded the mark of excellence in animal care, conservation, and education.

The rigorous accreditation process goes above and beyond the UK’s Zoo Licensing standards and assesses zoos for the highest standards of animal welfare, care, and conservation efforts.

Larry Bush, CEO of Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, said: “We are proud that Noah’s Ark is one of the first zoos in the UK to achieve BIAZA Accreditation. This highlights our commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and education, which are all incredibly important to us as a conservation charity.”

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is dedicated to excellence in animal care and plays a vital role in global conservation through the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). The Zoo participates in several EEP initiatives, caring for endangered species such as African elephants, spectacled bears, siamang gibbons, and white-headed vultures.

The Zoo’s world-class elephant facility, Elephant Eden, is the UK’s largest and sets a benchmark in welfare-focused design. This 20-acre space promotes natural behaviours with expansive outdoor paddocks, a willow plantation for foraging, and a heated indoor barn with deep sand flooring for joint health. As the first protected-contact facility of its kind, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm continues to lead the way in innovative elephant care.

Dr. Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA, congratulated Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, saying: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is a 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 alone, BIAZA zoos and aquariums welcomed 32 million visitors, supported 1,650 conservation projects, delivered 1.2 million educational sessions, and conducted over 1,300 research projects. Their work spans from elephant conservation in Nigeria to reintroducing native species like harvest mice in the UK.

With this prestigious accreditation, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm strengthens its reputation as a leader in animal welfare, husbandry, and conservation, setting the benchmark for excellence in zoo management and ensuring a brighter future for both wildlife and the communities that care for them.