EU Zoos Directive Guidance and Best Practice Project
Country: Belgium
Client: EU
DG Environment Project duration: 2012-2014
Description: Compiling Guidance and Best Practice documentation to improve welfare for
animals in captivity
Client: EU DG Environment Project duration: 2012-2014
VetEffecT has led the project to prepare a Zoos Guidance and Best Practice document to improve
the implementation of the Zoo Directive 1999/22/EC in Europe. The project focused on the
collection and preparation of science-based and practical information related to zoos, in particular
concerning research, training, exchange of information, captive breeding and other population
support actions; public education and awareness; accommodating animals under satisfactory
conditions; preventing escape; and keeping appropriate records, as mentioned in the Zoo
Directive.
In order to gather as much input as possible from the field, we have used a consultative
approach.We have sent out questionnaires to competent authorities, interest groups and zoos in all
Member States of the European Union. Moreover, we have composed a well-balanced and involved
Stakeholder Liaison Group (SLG) to contribute to the Guidance Document and we composed an
expert panel with independent yet experienced zoo experts to enable unbiased consultation
regarding the implementation of the Zoo Directive.
The Final Report entitled "EU Zoos Directive Good Practices Document" was published by the
Commission in 2015 and can be downloaded here.
