A zoo is any premises where animals, that are not normally domesticated in the UK, are kept and are on display to members of the public.
The licensing system ensures that the welfare requirements of the animals being kept are being met. It also ensures that zoos comply with new requirements to provide either relevant conservation, education, or research programmes in order to obtain a licence.
Not withstanding any planning requirements, potential zoos should apply to the council’s Animal Control Service. The officer dealing with the case will consult with Defra and an expert zoo inspector will be appointed.
The zoo inspector and council officer will carry out an inspection of the site after which, the inspector may make recommendations to the council including certain licence conditions that he/she may feel are appropriate for the individual premises.
When licences are issued it is for a period of 6 years. Council officers will visit the zoo every year to check on conditions. However, a full inspection involving an expert zoo inspector will be carried out halfway through the licence period and again before the renewal of the licence.
Costs are subject to an individual assessment of the zoo and Defra inspection fees. The law requires councils to set their charge to cover the costs involved in licensing zoos. Zoo operators must also repay the council for the costs of the zoo inspectors’ visits.
There are currently two licensed zoos in operation within the borough. These are the Aquatic Experience and the London Butterfly House both of which are in Syon Park, Brentford.
Contact us
Animal Warden Team
Street Management & Public Protection Department
London Borough of Hounslow
Bridge Road Depot
Pears Road
Hounslow
TW3 1SQ
Tel:020 8583 5555
Fax:020 8583 5088
Minicom: 020 8583 6622
Email: animalwarden@hounslow.gov.uk