By Martin Banks - 22nd November 2011
EAZA's standards exceed those required under national implementations of the directive in all member states
Lesley Dickie
Europe's leading zoos have called on national regulators to 'get tougher' in implementing EU animal welfare legislation.
The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) is calling on member states to fully implement the EU zoos directive to "ensure the highest possible standards in European zoos and aquariums".
EAZA, the world's largest international professional zoo and aquarium organisation, wants to see a "proper" independent and scientific review of how the directive has been implemented in individual countries.
EAZA believes that national regulators could do more to enforce implementation.
It says many member states have made "excellent" progress in implementing the legislation into national regulation, providing professional and dedicated oversight of the operation of zoos.
However, some member states have been slow to fully implement the directive and EAZA calls on those countries to "follow the excellent examples" set by colleagues across the EU.
To help facilitate this process EAZA says it is currently working with its national association members to collate best practice in directive implementation across all member states.
The directive was introduced in 1999 to help ensure improved standards in conservation, education and research across zoos in the EU.
Lesley Dickie, executive director of EAZA, said, "EAZA welcomed the introduction of the directive to ensure that zoos and aquariums in the EU help assist the EU fulfil objectives to implement all parts of the convention on biological diversity and advocates clear implementation across the EU.
"EAZA has from its inception been at the forefront of setting high standards in the profession of zoo keeping in Europe. All our members abide by strict codes of conduct and must pass EAZA's own accreditation standards before entry into the association.
"EAZA's standards exceed those required under national implementations of the directive in all member states."
Simon Tonge, chairman of EAZA and CEO of the Whitely Wildlife Conservation Trust, said, "EAZA alerted DG environment to its concerns about implementation of the directive in 2010 and urged the commission to undertake a professional, independent survey of implementation to which all EAZA members would enthusiastically comply.
"We continue to be at the disposal of the commission if professional and practical expertise is required."
