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.