UK Overhauls Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare Rules After a Decade

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced a major overhaul of animal welfare rules in British zoos and aquariums, marking the first significant update in over a decade. The changes aim to improve the living conditions and safety of animals in captivity. Larger habitats are planned for elephants, reflecting growing concerns about their welfare in smaller enclosures. "These changes are long overdue and will make a real difference to the lives of animals in zoos and aquariums across the UK," said a spokesperson for the RSPCA. In addition to improved habitats, the new rules mandate better training for staff handling exotic animals, focusing on safe and appropriate interaction techniques. Aquariums will no longer allow visitors to touch fish and cephalopods, recognizing the potential for stress and harm to these creatures. The modernizations signal a commitment to higher standards of animal care in British zoos and aquariums, promising a more ethical and enriching environment for the animals in their care.