Reaseheath Mini Zoo is among the first in the country to achieve accreditation under a new scheme launched by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
The accreditation follows a screening by industry experts earlier this year, assessing the zoo’s animal welfare, conservation, education and research standards. The process goes beyond the UK and Ireland’s zoo licensing inspection and confirms Reaseheath Mini Zoo among the top zoos and aquariums in the country.
The zoo, based in Nantwich, Cheshire, and part of Reaseheath College and University Centre, is home to 155 species of animals and doubles as the practical training ground for Reaseheath’s animal management and science students.
Students gain hands-on experience across the full collection, working with species including bush dogs, pygmy marmosets, blue-and-gold macaws, Fiji iguanas, axolotls, clown fish, and tarantulas.
The zoo is also home to Project DUNG, a national conservation project helping native dung beetles across the UK, created by Zoo Conservation Education Lead and Registrar Nicole Hatcher.
Nicole said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved BIAZA accreditation. This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of the entire team to maintaining the highest standards of animal care, education and conservation.
“The accreditation process was extremely thorough, and achieving this status demonstrates our ongoing commitment to best practice.”
Marcus Clinton, Principal and CEO of Reaseheath, said: “Achieving BIAZA accreditation is a fantastic recognition of the standards we strive to maintain across Reaseheath Mini Zoo. Caring for such a diverse range of species is a significant responsibility, and our team works incredibly hard to ensure the highest standards of welfare. This accreditation is a real endorsement of that investment and of our staff’s expertise.
“Over the past few years, we have made significant improvements to our facilities, creating better environments for our animals and an outstanding place for our students to learn. These facilities ensure our learners benefit from leading-edge, industry-aligned resources which support our ‘Career Ready’ ethos.”
Dr Jo Judge, Chief Executive of BIAZA, congratulated Reaseheath Mini Zoo on the achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.
“Our accreditation programme means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
In 2023, BIAZA zoos and aquariums collectively welcomed 32 million visitors, whose visits supported 1,650 conservation projects, 1.2 million educational sessions and 1,346 research projects.
