Leeds zoo receives national mark of excellence from experts

After being screened by experts earlier this year, Wildlife World is now officially accredited by the organisation, recognising the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, conservation, education and research.

The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.

Located in Aberford, it is home to a spectacular variety of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, emus, penguins and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.

The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes. In 2025 the staff, through careful management, successfully bred the blue-crowned laughingthrush, a critically endangered bird considered one of the rarest in the world.

Leeds’ Tropical World is also BIAZA accredited after a screening which took place in 2025.

The two zoos are among the first to be accredited in the new BIAZA scheme, whose accreditation process includes screenings by industry experts, questionnaires and plenty of documented evidence. The process goes above and beyond the UK and Ireland’s zoo licensing inspection and marks the extra efforts of good zoos and aquariums in providing the very best in animal care.  

Both Tropical World and Wildlife World are preparing to celebrate Love Your Zoo Week, starting on 23 May, when visitors can take part in animal trails and learn all about the animals and how they can help conservation efforts.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.

“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”

Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their 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.” 

Read more about Wildlife World at Wildlife World Zoo | Leeds Museums and Galleries.

ENDS