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ZOOS

: : About the issue

There are more than 1,500 zoos in the EU which keep animals ranging from elephants and polar bears to small insects and reptiles. Many of these animals are kept in conditions which cause them great stress and suffering.

: : What is the current situation?

According to a 1999 EU Directive, zoo animals should be kept in conditions appropriate to their needs. The Directive also forsees that zoo be properly inspected and licensed. Those not meeting the requirements of the Directive should be closed.

: : What is Eurogroup calling for?

Eurogroup is calling for:

	national implementation of the Directive and enforcement by relevant authorities via detailed inspection and licensing procedures
	improvement of national laws which do not include technical specifications guaranteeing the welfare of zoo animals and the educational and scientific role that zoos should play
	closure of zoos that do not respect the law and effective rehoming strategies for the animals affected.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

European Union

Directive on the keeping of wild animals in zoos (Mar. 99)

Eurogroup documents

Study of Conformity (Dec 07)

Guidelines for scientific and educational activities (Oct. 07)

Strategy for confiscated animals (Jan. 07)
(fr)(e s)(bg)(pl)(r o)

Report on the implementation of the zoo Directive (Dec 06)