EMBARGO MAY 24 00:01

Marwell Zoo has been honoured with a national mark of excellence in zoos and aquariums.

The Hampshire wildlife centre has attained BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited status, demonstrating that it meets the world-class standards set by the body for the best zoos and aquariums in the UK and Ireland.

Marwell was screened by BIAZA’s experts earlier this year and is among the first to be accredited in the new scheme, which goes above and beyond the UK and Ireland’s zoo licensing inspection regime.

The announcement comes on the day the government unveils a major overhaul of animal welfare rules in British zoos, and Marwell says it already meets these new standards.

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Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA, congratulated Marwell on its achievement.

She said: "Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.

"Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education.

"We need good zoos more than ever.

"We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference."

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Laura Read, chief executive at Marwell Wildlife, said: "Today’s accreditation for Marwell and the government’s update on animal welfare rules are a reminder of the importance of excellence in standards in British zoos, and of vital conservation work around the globe.

"We are proud that our own commitment to striving for the gold standard in everything we do has been recognised by BIAZA’s experts."

The government’s new standards include updated best practice for enclosure sizes, the handling of exotic animals, sea creatures and birds of prey, and public safety measures.

Animal welfare minister, Baroness Hayman said:  "We are a nation of animal lovers, and our best zoos and aquariums are truly world leaders in setting the standard for how wild animals should be kept."