Administrative services A-Z

informal application letter possible: yes

If you want to run a zoo, you need permission from the nature conservation authority. In addition to the construction and operation of a zoo, the expansion and significant changes also require approval. The nature conservation authority issues the permit on application for specific facilities and specific operators and sets a maximum number for the animal population of each species.

According to the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), zoos are facilities in which animals of wild species are kept for at least seven days a year for the purpose of putting them on display.

• Construction, extension, operation or substantial modification of an establishment for the keeping of animals of wild species for the purpose of exhibition
• permanent establishment for at least 7 days

Not considered to be a zoo:

• Circuses
• pet shops
• enclosures for the keeping of not more than five indigenous species of cloven-hoofed game
• Establishments where not more than 20 animals of other wild species are kept.

Depending on the type of zoo, different documents are required. Information on this can be obtained from the relevant office.

Procedural fee (depending on expenditure)

Apply for zoo approval informally and in writing to the responsible office. The responsible office will inform you about the further steps of the procedure.

Application/approval: before commencement of the activities described

Lower nature conservation authority

• § Section 42 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG)

Saxon State Ministry for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture