Amid rising costs, zoos are more relevant than ever…

It will come as no surprise to anyone working in the zoo sector that Britain and Ireland’s beloved zoos are facing challenges amidst a difficult economic backdrop.  

Yet a second look will show that zoos and aquariums remain some of the most popular visitor attractions in the country, and indeed BIAZA members receive over 30 million visits annually. Zoos and aquariums are still the top choice for families looking for a brilliant day out, and looking to support wildlife.  

While this might seem like a contradiction, both things are true: zoos and aquariums are wildly popular and they face financial challenges. This is because of the rising costs impacting the cost of operating and impacting visitors. In 2025, BIAZA research showed that cost was the top reason families were choosing not to visit a wildlife attraction, demonstrating how the cost-of-living crisis is impacting families when they are deciding to have a day out.  This is clearly the case given the success of schemes being rolled out across the zoo and aquarium sector providing tickets accessible to low-income families, such as Universal Credit ticket offers.  

The sector also faces unique challenges. As the guardians of hundreds of different species of animals, all with their own requirements, zoos and aquariums have less flexibility in their operating costs. We are proud our members remain committed to the highest levels of animal welfare and will not cut corners when it comes to animal care.  

There are reasons for optimism. The role of zoos and aquariums has never been more relevant to society and the challenges we face, and this is being recognised by the public. Polling from 2023 showed: 

• 77% of the UK public and 82% of the Irish public agree that zoos have a vital role in conservation  

• 79% of the UK public and the 80% of the Irish Public, agree zoos work hard to educate visitors 

 The UK is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world and access to nature is far too low. We are facing twin climate and biodiversity crises where the only solution is urgent action at scale. How we treat our animals is changing and the zoo sector is at the forefront of innovative improvements for animals in human care all across the world.  

It’s exactly the leadership of zoos and aquariums to conservation, education, animal welfare and nature access that makes them so popular and so relevant to our times. Areas where BIAZA zoos and aquariums, by coming together, sharing and collaborating, are making an exceptional difference.  

The more cause for positivity too. Up and down the country, BIAZA members are adapting to the financial challenges, innovating new and exciting propositions from crowdfunding to overnight stays.  

Of course it’s not just zoos and aquariums for who the story of rising costs will be familiar, as up and down the country visitor attractions struggle to come to terms with our economic reality. But uniquely, amidst these financial challenges, zoos and aquariums have never been more relevant to society.  

By Andy Hall

BIAZA's communications and public affairs manager