Chances are you’ll be surprised to learn that things have changed dramatically in zoos and aquariums over the past five decades as knowledge has grown, enclosures have evolved and animal welfare has been put far ahead of everything else. These days, zoos and aquariums do much more than showcase a range of animals to the public; conservation, education and research are now the name of the game, with many establishments acquiring charitable status in recognition of the important work they do to help conserve our natural world.
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) has more than 100 members comprised of the very best zoos and aquariums across the UK and Ireland. All of our members who proudly display the BIAZA logo are declaring that they have the highest levels of animal welfare, they participate in conservation projects, discovery and learning programmes are continuously being developed; and they are actively contributing to a body of research which will, ultimately, help us to conserve species in the wild. By visiting a BIAZA zoo or aquarium you will not only have an enjoyable day out, you will also be contributing to their conservation work, and you’ll learn something about wildlife too. So, what are you waiting for? Jump on our website to find out where your local BIAZA zoo or aquarium is and get visiting!
50 YEARS OF WORKING TOGETHER FOR WILDLIFE
This year BIAZA celebrates 50 Years of ‘Working Together for Wildlife’. It started life in 1966 as the Federation of Zoological Gardens of Britain and Ireland, originally comprised of nine zoos and bird gardens, and was formed by a group of like-minded individuals under the chairmanship of the Earl of Cranbrook. Its mission was to see standardised principles and practices adopted in animal management whilst ensuring the highest levels of animal welfare were achieved by its members as a result of regular inspections.
Today, BIAZA is a conservation, education and scientific wildlife charity that supports its 112 members and encourages them to inspire people to help conserve the natural world, participate in effective cooperative conservation programmes, and deliver the highest quality environmental education, training and research. It also promotes the highest standards of animal care and welfare in its member zoos and aquariums, and in the wild. The belief is that the natural world is intrinsically precious, and over the next 50 years BIAZA is committed to continuing to work for the benefit of our planet’s rich biodiversity.