Under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 those who run a zoo must obtain a licence. Conditions can be applied to the licence to ensure the proper conduct of the zoo.
To protect the safety of the animal and the public, a licence is required to keep a dangerous wild animal as specified under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
The new Animal Welfare (Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 require all those who keep animals to train or exhibit, to hold a licence with the local authority.
From 6 April 2026, it will be illegal to keep a primate as a pet, breed them, or sell them, without a valid licence, under new legislation introduced by the Government.
