Standards of Modern Zoo Practice, May 2025
Digital readiness auditor
Fifteen questions across the five areas of the 2025 Standards where inspection usually turns on evidence rather than intent. You get an instant readiness scorecard for your board, with no obligation and nothing to install.
What this covers
The Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain were published in May 2025 by Defra, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government, replacing the previous framework. Every licensed zoo, safari park, wildlife park, bird garden and public aquarium is inspected against them.
Part 1 · Standards 11.1, 11.2 and 11.6
Conservation education and evaluation
A written education strategy, evidence that learning is actually taking place, and a documented annual review of it.
Part 2 · Standards 11.4 and 11.7
Accessible and accurate interpretation
Interpretation that a wide range of visitors can actually use, carrying accurate and current species information.
Part 3 · Standard 9.11 and Section 9
Visitor flow and animal welfare
Controlling visitor numbers and behaviour around enclosures so that animal welfare is not affected.
Part 4 · Section 8
Public safety and emergency communication
Hazard communication that works for every visitor, and the ability to reach people quickly in an emergency.
Part 5 · Section 10 and Standard 11.1c
Conservation impact and behaviour change
The Annual Conservation Summary, and encouraging visitors towards positive conservation and sustainability behaviour.
No details needed to see your results.
This is a self-assessment tool to help you prepare internally. It is not a statutory inspection, and it does not replace the guidance itself or advice from your licensing authority. Read our leadership guide to the 2025 Standards for the detail behind each question.