Zoos in Scotland
Any zoo in Scotland displaying wild animals that are not normally domesticated in Great Britain is subject to licensing and inspection under The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 (as ammended).
A zoo is defined in the Zoo Licensing Act as being 'an establishment where wild animals are kept for exhibition ... to which members of the public have access, with or without charge for admission, seven or more days in any period of twelve consecutive months'.
The wide scope of this definition means that licensed zoos range from traditional urban zoos and safari parks to small specialist collections such as butterfly houses and aquaria. The Act recognises this wide range of establishments by allowing dispensations to be granted for small zoos. Dispensations for these types of collection reduce the number of inspectors to a reasonable level for a small establishment, and do not in any way weaken a zoo's obligation to achieve high levels of animal welfare and modern public safety. The Act does not extend to circuses, or to pet shops, both of which are covered by other legislation.
Zoo Licencing is Devolved to the Scottish Government