Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Ban zoos and fund more natural reserves and national parks
Open for signatures
51 signatures
What the petition asks
The UK should prioritise protecting animals in their natural habitats rather than confining them for display. Parliament should phase out zoos and expand protected natural reserves and national parks.
Many animals in zoos show signs of stress, boredom, and abnormal repetitive behaviours.
Large-ranging species (e.g. elephants, big cats) cannot express natural behaviours in limited enclosures.
Many wild animals evolved for vast territories, complex ecosystems, and natural social structures.
Even accredited zoos cannot replicate the complexity of wild ecosystems.
We believe this conflicts with the spirit of the UK’s high animal welfare standards under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Large-ranging species (e.g. elephants, big cats) cannot express natural behaviours in limited enclosures.
Many wild animals evolved for vast territories, complex ecosystems, and natural social structures.
Even accredited zoos cannot replicate the complexity of wild ecosystems.
We believe this conflicts with the spirit of the UK’s high animal welfare standards under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Timeline
| 9 Apr 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
51
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
9 Apr 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.