We're welcoming the UK-EU efforts to cut red tape on animal transfers
Chester Zoo is pleased to hear that the UK government and the EU are working together to ease red tape on conservation animal transfers.
Before 2021, around 1,400 zoo animals were moved annually between the UK and EU, supporting the genetic health of endangered species. However, since the UK’s departure from the EU, the number of these vital transfers has dropped significantly, falling to fewer than 300 per year due to increasingly complex regulations, paperwork, and delays at customs.
The recent announcement on May 19, that the UK and EU will work towards a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) veterinary agreement, offers hope for easing these restrictions. Although there is concern in the zoo community that the focus may be more on agriculture and trade, this could be an important step for conservation.
Last week, on May 29, the government clarified that conservation animal transfers would also be included in these negotiations, marking a significant victory after years of advocacy to highlight the negative impact on breeding programmes and animal science.
We are cautiously optimistic now that initial details of the new UK-EU deal have been announced. It aims to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of animals. The Government has assured us they are working towards a new agreement that will consider terrestrial and aquatic zoo animals.
Rob Comley, Policy & Advocacy Manager for Chester Zoo
He continued, "Though this answer only covers animals, rather than biological samples, it feels like a positive step in the right direction. It’s encouraging to have official acknowledgement that the Government is considering the conservation transfer issues we’ve had and are actively trying to fix it."
Zoo leaders recently wrote to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging that zoo transfers and biological samples remain a key focus of the negotiations. Please click the button below if you'd like to read this statement in its entirety.
I know colleagues across the country will be relieved by the announcement. Over the coming months, we’ll continue to highlight the urgent need to remove the unnecessary barriers that are hindering our vital conservation work.
Jamie Christon, CEO of Chester Zoo
