Zoos represent so much more than just a great day out - they are collectively part of a network dedicated to conservation both across the British Isles and around the world.
That’s why The Deep is raising awareness for the annual Love Your Zoo/Aquarium week, taking place 26 - 31 May.
Love Your Zoo/Aquarium is the big annual event by BIAZA (the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) calling for the general public to support their local zoo or aquarium.
In the 21st century, zoos & aquariums have evolved into more than just great days out. They are modern hubs for conservation, education, research, and are vital to their local communities. BIAZA has 132 members representing the very best zoos and aquariums.
The aim of Love Your Zoo/Aquarium week is to share the fantastic work of modern zoos/aquariums and to inspire action for wildlife.
- Since 2020 BIAZA zoos/aquariums have spent an enormous £153 million on nature conservation.
- At any one time over a thousand conservation projects are actively being undertaken by them.
- Last year 1.13 million individuals were welcomed for an educational visit. These formative interactions help create new generations of animal lovers and environmental custodians.
Aquariums like The Deep don’t work in isolation. The theme of Love Your Zoo week for 2025 is ‘Allies for Wildlife’ – demonstrating the ties and partnerships which create action. Zoos and aquariums work with each other as part of the BIAZA network, sharing ideas and expertise for the welfare of their animals. Breeding programmes for endangered species are also a crucial aspect of the zoo network, securing futures of animals facing extinction.
Examples of the amazing work the zoo and aquarium sector undertake include:
- Assisting in the reintroduction of hundreds of beavers back into the British countryside, by Five Sisters Zoo.
- Work to rescue and rehome animals including lions from Ukraine at the Big Cat Sanctuary, and tigers at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm.
- A campaign at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo against irresponsible social media contributing to the illegal pet trade.
- The reintroduction of previously extinct in the wild scimitar-horned oryx by zoos like Marwell Zoo.
- Project Oceanic Whitetip to save critically endangered sharks from over-exploitation at The Deep.
Dr Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA, said:
“Modern good zoos want wildlife to thrive, both those living in our zoos and aquariums, and those in sadly declining wild spaces. This requires everyone coming together to fight for a better planet.”
“When people visit a zoo or aquarium, they may be unaware that they support a wider network singularly dedicated to wildlife.”
BIAZA Zoos and aquariums also bring their expertise outside of the zoo sphere to local groups, universities, NGOs, governing bodies and global wildlife charities, and more, for the benefit of people and nature.
With the support of visitors, aquariums like The Deep are able to continue this work for the benefit of all nature, both at home and worldwide.
You can join the celebrations by visiting and supporting The Deep, and using the hashtag #LoveYourAquarium on your social media posts to spread the positivity far and wide.
If you love animals and nature, you should love your zoo.
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*Data from the 2025 BIAZA Annual Questionnaire, which collected BIAZA Member Zoo and Aquarium data from 2024
About BIAZA:
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is a conservation education and scientific wildlife charity, which acts as the principal professional zoo body representing the responsible zoo and aquarium community in the UK.
BIAZA and its members are a powerful force in the care and conservation of the natural world. Collectively, they endeavour to inspire people to protect our planet’s rich biodiversity, deliver high quality environmental education, training and research whilst achieving the highest standards of animal care and welfare.