As experts in animal care, positive welfare is at the heart of all we do!
 
Perth Zoo is very proud to be a Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) accredited zoo.
 
That means when you visit, you can trust that each of our furry, feathered and scaly residents are being given the best possible care.
 
We recently welcomed ZAA accreditation and Welfare Assessment Officer, Judith Gillespie, through the gates, and after a thorough assessment, she gave us the tick of approval to maintain our accreditation.



Using the Five Domains Animal Welfare Model, the ZAA grants accreditation to zoos and aquariums around the country that have demonstrated a commitment to positive welfare. 

But rather than just checking whether an animal is fed and has a space to live, the external accreditor looks for examples of the animal being given a rich, diverse and fulfilling life made up of positive experiences. 
 
We’re proud to be accredited with the ZAA, but that’s not where our work in good welfare stops. 

Our staff are the best of the best in animal welfare, and work to ensure we have a progressive, science-based approach to animal care.
 
The principles of this model can be applied to all animals, big and small, and even for your pets at home!
 
Follow our lead and consider these five things to give your animals the same quality care ours get:
 
ENVIRONMENT
An animal’s habitat – including the substrate, size and vegetation – should provide plenty of opportunities within the space for the animal to be itself.
 
BEHAVIOUR
An animal should have the opportunity to take part in mentally stimulating activities or interact with other animals in a suitable social structure. But solitary species should have a space of their own.
 
NUTRITION
An animal should be provided with a diet that is nutritionally balanced. Importantly, a diet should be species-specific.  
 
HEALTH
An animal should be given a high standard of health care to keep them physically healthy. That means plenty of regular check-ups!
 
MENTAL STATE
If the first four domains are being met, the animal should be experiencing a positive mental state!