Chester Zoo welcomes the news that the UK government is working with the EU to cut red tape on conservation transfers.

Before 2021, around 1,400 zoo animals were transported between the UK and EU countries each year.  This allowed zoos to maintain healthy genetics in endangered species. 

But transfers dwindled to fewer than 300 a year due to diverging regulations, increased paperwork and delays at customs following the UK’s departure from the EU. 

The May 19 announcement that the UK and EU will be working towards a SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) veterinary agreement could be a step in the right direction, though there are concerns in the zoo community that the main emphasis is on agriculture and trade.

Yesterday (May 29), the government made a welcome clarification that conservation transfers would be included in negotiations. This follows years of campaigning to highlight the impact of these issues on conservation breeding and animal science. 

Rob Comley, Policy & Advocacy Manager for Chester Zoo, said: “We are cautiously optimistic now initial details of the new UK-EU deal have been announced. It aims to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of animals in and out of the UK.

“Following questions raised by supportive Members of Parliament, the Government has now assured us they are working towards a new agreement that will consider terrestrial and aquatic zoo animals. 

“Though this answer only covers animals, rather than biological samples, it feels like a positive step in the right direction. It is encouraging to have official acknowledgement that the Government is considering the conservation transfer issues we have had and are actively trying to fix it.”

Recently, zoo bosses wrote to Prime Minister Kier Starmer to keep zoo transfers and biological samples on the agenda.

Jamie Christon, CEO of Chester Zoo, said: “I know colleagues across the country will be relieved by the announcement. Since 2021, conservation animal transfers between the UK and EU have fallen by 80% – a major threat to the international breeding programmes that are essential to preventing extinction and protecting global biodiversity. Over the coming months, we’ll continue to highlight the urgent need to remove the unnecessary barriers that are hindering our vital conservation work.”