Welfare Standards

What is a Welfare Standard?

A standard is a level of quality or attainment to be achieved. It is used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations. A good animal collection will be held accountable against a number of different standards which can be internationally, nationally, regionally, and/or institutionally created.

The three most relevant standard types we use are:

a) Institutional Management Standards or Guidelines, frequently written as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), are standards developed internally within a facility and are typically assessed through self-evaluations.

b) National or Regional Zoo/Aquarium/Sanctuary Accreditation Standard is developed by the relevant association or authority. These standards are used for certification or accreditation which is only attained by compliance with the standardized process.

c) National Standard that refers to a legislative standard developed by the relevant authorities and as such, would require legal and mandatory compliance.

Wild Welfare Standard

Wild Welfare has its own Standard called the Core Standard of Welfare Practice for Captive Animals.

This standard directs our evidence-based process for the systematic and forensic auditing and assessment of captive wild welfare in all types animal collections. The Wild Welfare standard is derived from current and prevailing trends and published literature pertaining to captive animal welfare. We also provide guidance on Care and Welfare Standards that help develop, implement, manage, and enforce better welfare practices for captive wild animals.

The Difference between Institutional, Accredited, & National Standards

Institutional standards are NOT a substitute for a national standard as they cannot enforce certain standards and are not moderated by a chosen authority, but are created primarily by internal stakeholders for internal use. These sorts of guidelines are typically not mandatory but instead provide direction.

Accreditation standards usually represent best practice and quality. Membership in the Association requires compliance with accreditation standards and can be either self-evaluations or involve a more robust process of third party evaluations and inspections.

A national standard, or zoo/aquarium/sanctuary/rescue center license, usually represents a set of parameters that are relatively achievable and compliance through some sort of inspection process, is straightforward. This type of standard gives authority to an external body to implement, evaluate and maintain these guidelines through its primary legislation.

An Accreditation Process

An accreditation process should reflect industry standard with the industry body able to demonstrate both theirs and their member’s compliance with the accreditation standards. To keep with evolving, current best practices, standards must be regularly reviewed, evaluated, and adjusted; members are held accountable against the most current standard.

To avoid bias, it’s best when accreditation inspections are conducted by parties external to the institution. The association’s standard is pre-determined and all participating parties have agreed on the process.

A good accreditation standard and process:

Clearly defines what’s required to meet the standard, and therefore is equally clear when a facility doesn’t meet the standard
Represents an assurance scheme standard
Supports performance benchmarking
Underwrites the associations’ narrative

A poor accreditation standard and process:

Has inconsistencies and/or bias
Fails to recognize and address significant animal welfare concerns
Dilutes efforts to improve animal welfare
Reduces credibility and perpetuates poor animal welfare

Why have national standards for captive wild animals?

Animal welfare legislation supports compliance of good practice within captive facilities.
Provides clear and concise guidance on management parameters.
Supports both generic animal welfare practices and more specific management practices,
Provides authority to oversee all institutions and has network of expert committees.
Demonstrates national commitment to captive animal care and management.