A Busy Summer for the SZN

It’s been a busy few months for the Small Zoo Network.

This summer has been a particularly busy period, with workshops, parliamentary engagement, advocacy and plenty of opportunities for members to meet and learn from one another.

Bringing Small Zoos Together

One of the most important parts of the Small Zoo Network is our programme of free professional development opportunities, and 2026 has seen this go from strength to strength.

After we kicked off our 2026 workshop programme at Hobbledown Epsom with our Native Species Workshop, our next soon followed at New Forest Wildlife Park with our Keeper Experiences and Social Media Workshop.

Our third workshop took us to White Post Farm for From Farm to Zoo: Navigating the Challenges.

This event brought together farm park operators and zoo professionals to explore the journey from a farm attraction towards becoming a licensed zoo. The discussions covered the practical, operational, welfare and regulatory challenges involved in making that transition, providing a valuable opportunity for those who have already made the journey to share their experiences with those considering it.

We were also pleased to open this event to colleagues from UKACT and NFAN, helping to build links beyond the traditional zoo sector and encourage wider collaboration.

Across all three events, the same theme has continued to come through: small zoos have a huge amount to contribute to one another. Whether the subject is conservation, animal welfare, visitor engagement, regulation or day-to-day operations, there is enormous value in creating opportunities for people to talk openly and share what works.

Representing Small Zoos at Parliament

Alongside our programme of workshops, the Network has continued to strengthen its engagement with policymakers.

This summer, representatives of the Small Zoo Network attended the latest Zoo and Aquarium All-Party Parliamentary Group roundtable at the House of Lords, with discussions focusing on the implementation and enforcement of the new 2027 Standards of Modern Zoo Practice.

The introduction of the new Standards will be a significant change for the zoo sector, and ensuring that the experiences and concerns of smaller collections are represented in those discussions is an important part of the Network's role.

The Network has been engaging with DEFRA and other stakeholders, and we will continue to support our members as the sector moves towards implementation.

An updated version of the 2027 Standards was also published earlier this year following minor amendments to correct errors and update some taxonomic categorisations. Importantly, DEFRA confirmed that these amendments did not change the requirements of the Standards.

Our next workshop, our second 'New Standards' workshop, is taking place in October, hosted by Knockhatch Adventure Park.

Speaking Up for Small Zoos

The Network has also continued to represent the wider interests of small zoos and wildlife attractions. Most recently, we contacted the Chancellor regarding forthcoming business rates increases and the potential impact on small zoos, many of which operate with very different financial models to larger commercial attractions.

For smaller collections, rising operating costs can have a direct impact on the resources available for animal welfare, conservation, staffing and education. Ensuring that policymakers understand this reality remains an important part of what we do. You can find a copy of our letter in the members' resources section of the website.

Committee Changes

As the Network continues to grow, there have inevitably been changes behind the scenes too.

Over recent months we have said goodbye to two committee members who have stepped down from their roles, Lauren Lane and James Robson. We are hugely grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge and enthusiasm to building the Network.

Running the Small Zoo Network alongside full-time roles within the zoo industry is no small commitment, and the work that happens behind the scenes often goes unseen. Every workshop, meeting, email, resource and conversation represents people giving their own time because they believe that small zoos are stronger when they work together.

While the committee has changed, the Network's direction has not. We remain focused on collaboration, professional development, representation and raising standards across the small zoo sector, and thank both of them for their efforts to date.

The rest of 2026

There is still plenty to come.

We have one more workshop planned for 2026, giving members another opportunity to come together before the end of the year. We will also continue our work with DEFRA and other sector stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 Standards continue.

And, of course, our sights are already turning towards 2027.