BIAZA wins changes to Scottish zoo fund

BIAZA is pleased to have worked with Scottish Government to secure significant changes for zoo licence holders in Scotland, building on successes in securing funds and allowing for the reopening of our Scottish Members over the past 12 months. 

After closing in December, the £2.6m Scottish Government’s Scottish Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare Fund has now reopened with improved conditions. This was after campaigning by our fantastic members and the arguments made by BIAZA pointing out the necessity of much needed improvements to the previous round of the fund and the lack of support for the full breadth of work carried out by the fantastic zoos, aquariums and safari parks in Scotland. 

BIAZA has secured changes to the scheme’s criteria; you will now be eligible to apply for a grant if you have 16 weeks operating costs remaining. While we are aware that this will represent a significant barrier to most, we hope this expansion will be a step in the right direction. 

Significantly the fund will also now include a conservation element, with grants available to support the continuation of key conservation projects which are under threat due to funding shortfalls as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions. This means that for the first time, conservation as well as animal welfare is being supported by a Government support scheme in the UK. We are currently pursuing details on this element with Scottish Government. 

Nicky Needham, Senior Manager at BIAZA said: “We are pleased to see Scottish Government improving the way they support the important work of zoos as the pandemic continues.” 

“The work of our Scottish members saving species on the brink of extinction and rewilding landscapes all over the world is too important to be overlooked in Government support schemes. We call on Governments across the UK to look at doing the same.” 

BIAZA will continue to push for further support for all our members. BIAZA has an upcoming meeting with the new Minister for Rural Affairs and Natural Environment, Ben Macpherson where we will continue to seek solutions on behalf of our members in Scotland.  

The closing date for applications is 10 March 2021. For an application pack, please email [email protected] or phone 0300 244 9999.