Winchester City Council is responsible for licensing zoological parks within the district. Zoo operators must be aware of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. They also have to comply with the Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo Practice. These standards cover animal welfare, environmental issues, conservation, education and research. There is more information about zoo licensing on the Government website

Sites are fully inspected every 3 years by a team of experts, including 2 Government-appointed inspectors. These inspectors, usually veterinary practitioners, are appointed for their knowledge of the animals within the zoological collection and their experience in managing or working with zoological parks of comparable size. The cost of inspection and administration for the licence is charged to the zoo operator. On years where there is no full inspection, an informal inspection is made by Council officers.

If you are thinking of setting up a zoo, please fill in the online notification; a link is provided on the right of this page. We will need you to submit a plan of how you intend to meet the conservation requirements. It is recommended that you also contact a specialist officer first for advice and guidance at eh@winchester.gov.uk 

The local authority cannot consider an application unless at least two months notice of the application has been given, plus publication of details in a local and national newspaper, and a notice placed at the site. After this has been done, the applicant may make a short written application for a zoo licence to Winchester City Council. 

The authority must consult the police, fire authority, governing body of any national institute concerned with zoos, the 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.

The authority must arrange an initial inspection by  suitable inspector(s) nominated by the Secretary of State before considering a new licence application.

If granted, your first licence will last for 4 years. 

An existing zoo wishing to renew a licence should simply Email their intention to do so to eh@winchester.gov.uk 

We ask that you do this at least 6 months before your current licence expires.

If bgranted, a renewed licence will last for 6 years.

There are no set charges for our zoo licensing service. Fees will be set so that the Council recovers all costs.

Zoos or applicants will be invoiced after any works, applications or inspections so that the Council officers' time plus the costs of any veterinary inspectors, consultants, administration and other expenses are covered.