FOI/EIR 25/26-476-Zoo Licensing

Details of zoos in district, stocklists and inspection reports 

Received 8 January 2026

We are currently in the process of contacting all relevant local authorities in the UK, requesting details of zoo licences, dangerous wild animal licences and performing animal licences in order to update our records and track changes nationwide.

If your local authority has formed a partnership with another authority, please include information for all relevant constituencies.

A. Details of licensed, in application, closed and exempt zoos under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981

Under the Freedom of Information Act, please provide the name and address for each premises that: 

1. Currently holds a zoo licence.
2. Is in the process of applying for a zoo licence.
3. Previously held a zoo licence but has since closed or no longer requires a zoo licence for any other reason since 01/01/2023.
4. Currently has an “exempt” status and the date that the exemption was granted. 

For each premises with an active Zoo Licence, please provide a copy of their:

1. Most recent annual zoo stocklist outlining births, arrivals, deaths, etc. in accordance with Section 9.5 of the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice.
2. Most recent formal zoo inspection report for formal periodical or renewal inspections carried out under S.10 or S.14.2 by Government-appointed Zoo Inspectors. Please ensure all pages (1-10) plus any pages with additional conditions or directions are included. For zoos that are housing elephants, please also include the most recent elephant inspection form.
3. Most recent pre-inspection audit for a formal inspection.

If any formal inspection reports are still being finalised and are unable to be released at the current time, then please provide the most recent completed inspection report that the local authority has within their records. Please note that we are not requesting copies of informal or special inspection reports or the zoo licence.

B. Details of licences under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976

Under the Freedom of Information Act, please provide:

1. The current number of DWA licences within your jurisdiction and the species and number of animals that each licence covers.
2. The number of current DWA applications and the species and number of animals applied for.
3. The number of DWA applications which were refused since 01/01/2023, and the reasons for refusal, if possible.

Please note that we are not requesting personal information such as names and addresses of licensees.

C. Details of licences for keeping or training animals for exhibition under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018

Under the Freedom of Information Act, please provide:

1. The name and address for each establishment that currently holds an animal exhibition licence.
2. The name and address for each establishment currently in the process of applying for an animal exhibition licence and the species and number of animals each licence would cover.
3. The number of animal exhibition licence applications which were refused since 01/01/2023, and the reasons for refusal, if possible.

For each premises with an active exhibition licence, please provide a copy of their:

1. Most recent animal stock list provided by each licence holder in accordance with Schedule 7, S. 6 of the Regulations.
2. Most recent inspection report submitted to the local authority under S. 10. (1) of the Regulations.

Responded 3 February 2026

1. The Animal Experience, Cambridge Rd, Stretham CB6 3LU
2. N/A
3. N/A
4. N/A

1. Information refused under Section 31(1)(a)
2. Please see attachments 6 & 7
3. N/A

1. Zero
2. Zero
3. Zero

1.Vision Learning Therapeutic Farm – please see attachment 1

Mini Hoof Events – please see attachment 2

Lion Learners – please see attachment 3

Furry Friends Petting Farm – please see attachment 5

2. N/A

3. Zero

1. Information refused under Section 31(1)(a)
2. Officers have confirmed that an inspection was conducted for Kundalini, but unfortunately, this cannot be located.

Information Refused under Section 31(1)(a)
In respect of those requests that are answered in full, partially or the total refused, please take this as notice under FOIA, that we:
a) Consider the information as exempt from disclosure under the Act;
b) Claim exempt under sections of the Act:
Section 31(1)(a) – Law Enforcement
c) State why the exemption applies:
(1) Information which is not exempt information by virtue of section 30 is exempt information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice—
(a) the prevention or detection of crime
As Section 31 is a qualified exemption, we, the authority, must consider the balance of public interest in the circumstances of the request.
Arguments in favour of disclosing the information:
There is public interest in the transparency of Local Authority procedures Arguments in favour of withholding the information:
• The provision of this data would make it easier for criminals to use this data, together with other information already in the public domain, for criminal activity