5. Provision of Protection From Fear and Distress
5.1 Animals must be handled and managed only by, or under the supervision of, appropriately
qualified or experienced staff. Handling must be done with care, in order to protect the
animals well-being, and avoid unnecessary discomfort, stress or physical harm.
5.2 Any direct physical contact between animals and the visiting public must only be for
restricted periods of time and under conditions consistent with animals’ welfare, and not
likely to lead to their discomfort.
5.3 Animals must not be provoked for the benefit of the viewing public.
(See Appendix 6 – Animal-Contact areas)
5.4 Animals which may interact in an excessively stressful way must not be maintained in
close proximity.
5.5 Suitable, separate if appropriate, accommodation for pregnant animals and animals with
young should be available in order to minimise unnecessary stress.
5.6 Animals temporarily accommodated away from others should not be separated for such a
period of time that there would be difficulties in their re-introduction to the group.
5.7 Animals destined for rehabilitation (e.g. casualty animals) must not be on public display if
this is likely to causes stress or compromise their eventual release.
5.8 Smoking by zoo staff and visitors must be prohibited except in designated areas.
6. Transportation and Movement of Live Animals