#YourZoosNeedYou !
Today, 4 June 2020, BIAZA is pleased to announce that we have been able to secure a debate in UK parliament about the crisis facing zoos, aquariums and organisations dedicated to animal welfare. This debate will be held on Thursday 11 June. It is now essential that MPs speak up for zoos and aquariums in this crisis.
Now #YourZoosNeedYou ! We are asking that you:
- Write to your Member of Parliament asking them to speak up for zoos in the debate.
- Submit a question to Ministers in the daily briefing.
- Continue to support your local BIAZA member.
Make sure your representative speaks for you!
The debate was secured through the efforts of BIAZA’s Public Affairs Working Group (PAWG) and the APPG for zoos and aquariums led by Andrew Rosindell MP. It is now essential that MPs speak up for zoos and aquariums in this crisis and should use the debate on 11th of June to do so.
We need your support to ensure this debate pushes for the financial support and flexibility to reopen that our zoos desperately need. Write a letter to your local MP asking them to attend the debate and demonstrate the urgent need for Government support.
Click here to download our template letter for you to personalise and send!
“It is vital that as many people as possible show their support for zoos at this time of crisis. We know that millions would normally be enjoying a visit to our members, but as the Government has forced our zoos close their incomes have dropped to zero.” Said Dr Cerian Tatchley, Senior Manager at BIAZA.
For months, BIAZA has been working behind closed doors to secure support for zoos and aquariums during lockdown. Collaboration with Defra has led to the establishment of the Zoo Support Fund for small zoos. However, this next stage represents the beginning of a more public facing campaign.
Submit a question to government – have your say!
In addition to asking MPs to attend the debate, BIAZA believe it will be useful to ask a question of the Government at one of the televised daily briefings. We are asking as many people as possible to submit a similar question to this:
When uncontrolled outdoor areas and non-essential retail can open, why won’t the Government allow zoos and safari parks which can offer controlled outdoor experiences the flexibility to open and the financial support they need?
Petitions – the when and why
We are aware of many petitions being submitted to this effect. Petitions can be excellent ways of demonstrating public support, but as petitions secure parliamentary debates and we have already achieved this we have decided to focus our lobbying efforts on other actions at this time.
-
NewsJersey Zoo ‘otter-ly’ excited to welcome new arrivals 8th August, 2025Jersey Zoo have welcomed two new arrivals this week; giant otters Alexandra and Fia. The mother and daughter duo have arrived from Yorkshire Wildlife…
-
NewsBack from the brink: how zoos and monitoring are powering the return of the scimitar-horned oryx 8th August, 2025As the first Scimitar-Horned Oryx Day approaches on 16 August, John Newby (Sahara Conservation) offers insight into this antelope's return…
-
NewsThe Deep opens new habitat, The Wreck, this summer 7th August, 2025Hull’s iconic aquarium and conservation charity, The Deep, has just unveiled a brand-new habitat for visitors to experience this summer. Over the…