Zoo and Animal Exhibition License

Operating a zoo, wildlife park, or any permanent facility that exhibits live wild animals for at least seven days per year requires a permit under Section 42 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). The permit covers a specific site, operator, number of animals per species, and type of operation. This also includes aquariums, reptile houses, and similar exhibition facilities.

The application is submitted to the nature conservation authority of the relevant state. Requirements include species-appropriate enclosures meeting biological and welfare needs, a veterinary care programme, an animal inventory register, and public education measures. The state may combine this permit with the animal keeping permit under Section 11 of the Animal Welfare Act (Tierschutzgesetz). The authority conducts regular inspections and can order improvements or close the facility if animal welfare standards are not met.