Battersea Park Children’s Zoo Receives ‘World-Class’ Mark of Excellence, praising its animal-first philosophy

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is delighted to announce that it is among the first to have achieved accreditation from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to excellence in animal care, conservation, and education.

The BIAZA accreditation process is rigorous and goes beyond the UK’s Zoo Licensing standards, assessing institutions against the very highest benchmarks for animal welfare, conservation impact, and educational value. Achieving this recognition places Battersea Park Children’s Zoo among a leading community of zoos dedicated to making a meaningful difference for wildlife.

The team’s passion and dedication were highlighted throughout the accreditation process. Screeners described the zoo as “a pleasure to screen,” noting the enthusiasm and innovation demonstrated across all levels of the organisation. From developing husbandry guidelines for species such as the Bali myna, to shaping sector-leading initiatives like their #ShareSavvy social media campaign, they are proud to contribute knowledge and best practice beyond their own site.

Particular praise was given to their “animal-first” philosophy. This includes thoughtful habitat design, such as merging adjacent enclosures to better support animal welfare, and a strong focus on behaviour-led enrichment. These approaches ensure that the animals in their care are not only well looked after but are able to thrive. Screeners noted that Battersea Park Children’s Zoo’s Animal Welfare Policy is highly comprehensive and an example of best practice.

The zoo’s conservation work also received commendation, especially the storytelling and close collaboration with the conservation partners such as the London Beekeepers Association, Ealing Wildlife Group and Mudchute Farm. While being small in size, their commitment to native species conservation provides a powerful voice in protecting the UK’s biodiversity.

This accreditation reflects the hard work of the entire team and reinforces the zoo’s mission to inspire connections between people and animals.

This recognition is a proud moment as they celebrate Battersea Park Children’s Zoo’s 75th anniversary, an important milestone in its history and a powerful reminder of how the small London zoo has come. It reflects decades of dedication to conservation, education, and animal welfare, and the passion of everyone who has been part of that journey.  

Zoo Manager Jamie Baker said “BPCZ may be small, but we consistently punch above our weight and take our commitment to conservation incredibly seriously. From our directors to our animal keepers on the ground, caring for the remarkable species in our zoo, a shared passion runs through the entire team to make BPCZ a truly meaningful place for education and conservation. I’d like to extend a special thank you to Head Keeper, Lizzy Humphries, and Education & Events Manager, Gemma Cathie, for their unwavering dedication and love for our zoo. And to our incredible animal team - thank you for creating a zoo where animals can truly thrive, and a place where visitors of all ages can feel connected and become part of our story.”

“As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting vulnerable species and inspiring a deeper respect and connection to wildlife in all who visit and support us.”