A new zoo standard signed off by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) will help zoos prevent animals from escaping into the wider environment, or posing a risk to people, says the EPA’s New Organism Manager Stephen Cobb.

“The new standard, in recognising that each zoo environment is unique, and that a “one rule fits all” approach didn’t produce the best outcomes, is a great result for New Zealand.

“A change in emphasis in the standard will mean more focus on being outcome-based, aligning well with new quality management systems, which zoos will use to maintain high standards across all aspects of their operations,” says Stephen.

“Interested parties were consulted and had input on the new standard which delivers better rules in line with international best-practice and innovation.”

Zoos will now have until July 2019 to implement changes to comply with the new standard which will be enforced by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Read the standard here.

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