Conservationists are calling for new laws to simplify the global transfer of animals, warning that the future of endangered species could be affected. Zookeepers at Twycross Zoo state that Brexit has significantly impacted their ability to move animals between Europe and the UK.
Dr Rebecca Biddle, Twycross' director of conservation, highlighted the increased costs and staff resources required for transfers, noting a decline in imports and exports at the zoo. This has hindered their ability to bring in mating pairs for breeding programmes.
The number of animals transferred between the UK and Europe by zoos has fallen from approximately 1,400 annually to about 390 last year. Twycross Zoo, for example, saw only nine international arrivals in 2025, compared to 33 in 2019.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that ministers are negotiating a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement with the European Union. This agreement aims to cut red tape and remove trade barriers, making it easier for zoos to import and export animals into the European market.