Zoo-Genehmigung beantragen

If you want to run a zoo, you need permission from the relevant conservation authority.

If you want to establish and operate a zoo, you need the approval of the lower nature conservation authority responsible for your district or city, located in the district office or the city administration. In addition to the establishment and operation of a zoo, the expansion and significant changes are also subject to approval. The nature conservation authority issues the permit upon application for specific facilities and specific operators and sets a maximum number for the animal population of each species.

Zoos are permanent facilities in which live animals of wild species are kept for a period of at least seven days a year for the purpose of displaying them.

Depending on the type of zoo, different documents are required. Information on this can be obtained from the lower nature conservation authority.

• Construction, expansion, operation or substantial modification of a facility for the keeping of animals of wild species for the purpose of exhibition
• permanent facility for at least 7 days

Zoos shall be constructed and operated in such a way that

• the keeping of the animals takes into account the biological and conservation needs of the species concerned, and in particular that the location, size and design of the enclosures and their internal layout are appropriate to the species and the animals concerned
• the animals are cared for on the basis of a written program of veterinary prevention and treatment and nutrition in accordance with the state of good veterinary practice,
• the entry of harmful organisms as well as the escape of the animals is prevented,
• the regulations of animal and species protection are observed,
• a register of the zoo's animal population is kept in a form appropriate to the species recorded and is kept up to date,
• the education and awareness of the public with regard to the conservation of biodiversity is promoted, in particular by providing information about the species on display and their natural habitats,
• the zoo participates in
  • Research that contributes to the conservation of species, including the exchange of information on species conservation; or
  • the captive breeding, population renewal and reintroduction of species into their biotopes, or
  • training in conservation-specific knowledge and skills.

The permit shall be issued if.

1. it is ensured that the above obligations are fulfilled,

2. the required evidence is available

3. there are no facts giving rise to doubts about the reliability of the operator and the persons responsible for the management of the zoo, and

4. other regulations under public law do not conflict with the establishment and operation of the zoo.

The fees depend on the administrative effort.

Apply for the zoo permit in writing to the relevant office. The appropriate forms must be filled out for this purpose. The responsible office will inform you about the further steps of the procedure.

The processing time depends on the size and equipment of the facility to be approved.

The permit must have been issued before the start of activities.

Not considered a zoo

• Circuses,
• pet shops or
• enclosures for the keeping of not more than 5 species of domestic cloven-hoofed game or facilities in which not more than 20 individuals of other wild species are kept.

Animal enclosures are permanent facilities in which animals of wild species are kept outside residential and commercial buildings for a period of at least seven days a year and which are not a zoo The construction, expansion, substantial modification and operation of an animal enclosure must be notified to the competent authority at least one month in advance.

Whether a species is specially or strictly protected can be researched in the Scientific Information System on International Species Protection (WISIA) of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation can be researched by yourself.

The approval or refusal may be appealed.

• Zoo permit
• To operate a zoo, a permit must be obtained from the appropriate authority.
• Zoos are establishments where animals of wild species are kept for exhibition for at least seven days a year.
• The application can be submitted informally in writing to the competent authority. This office will also provide information on the further steps of the procedure.
• Fees are charged.
• Responsible: the lower nature conservation authority in the district office or the independent city.

The construction, substantial modification and operation of zoos and animal enclosures require the approval of the lower nature conservation authority in the district office or the independent city.

Informal request letter possible: yes (in exceptional cases)