You need a licence to run a zoo in Plymouth. The licence will be subject to fees and conditions to ensure the proper conduct of the zoo.
You’ll need a zoo licence if you will be displaying wild animals to the public for at least 7 days a year, in any place that’s not a circus or pet shop.
A zoo is any premises where wild animals are kept (except a pet shop or circus) for the public to see.
We work in close partnership with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on all aspects of zoo licensing. The licensing of zoos is a specialist field and the regulations are complex. If you are thinking of setting up a zoo, it is recommended that you contact us first.
We consult the police, fire authority, governing body of any national institute concerned with zoos, an adjoining authority if the zoo overlaps the area of that authority and any person wishing to object on grounds of alleged injurious effect on the health or safety of persons living in the area and will arrange an inspection by a consultant inspector.
More information about zoo licences is available on the GOV.UK website.
The application process is split into 2 parts:
- Notice of intention to apply for a zoo licence
- Licence application
Notice of intention to apply for a zoo licence
A notification to operate a zoo needs to be submitted to us. You can do this by emailing public.protection@plymouth.gov.uk or write to Public Protection Service, Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, PL1 3BJ
You must also:
- publish a Notice of Intention to Apply in one regional newspaper
- publish a Notice of Intention to Apply in one national newspaper
- display a copy of the Notice at the premises you want to be licensed
This must be done at least 2 months before you submit a zoo licence application.
You can use the template for guidance:
Licence application
After you have displayed your notice of intention for a at least 2 months you can complete the full application.
Email your application to public.protection@plymouth.gov.uk or post it to Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, PL1 3BJ .
When we have received your application and fee we will arrange to carry out the relevant inspections to make sure your premises meet the required standards.
If you are making a new application you will need to appear before the council’s Licensing Committee.
Please contact the Licensing Team on 01752 304141 for information about fees.
Public Registers
Information about licences, stock lists and inspection reports for registered zoos in Plymouth.
Licence Number: ZL0001
Operator Name: Plymouth City Council
Issued: 10 July 2020
Starts: 14 July 2020
Ends: 13 July 2026
You can view the relevant licence, stock lists and inspection reports for the last five years below: