Perth Zoo’s Animal Ethics Committee approves any research application that involves animals or animal husbandry at Perth Zoo.

Perth Zoo is required to manage the keeping and use of its animal collection in accordance with the Western Australian Animal Welfare Act 2002 (‘the Act’) and the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes 2013 (‘the Code’).

Accordingly, it has established an Animal Ethics Committee that considers and approves all aspects of research involving animals at Perth Zoo. The Zoo’s Animal Ethics Committee is constituted in accordance with the requirements set out in the Code and operates in accordance with an approved set of Terms of Reference.

The Openness Agreement on Animal Research and Teaching in Australia was developed by the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART) and launched in August 2023.

To demonstrate its commitment to transparency and ethical decision-making associated with the use of animals for research and teaching, and to enable well-informed public discussion, Perth Zoo has become a Signatory to this agreement. In becoming a Signatory to the Openness Agreement, Perth Zoo pledges to meet all four of the Agreement’s commitments:

• We will be open about our involvement in the use of animals in research or teaching.
• We will enhance our communications with the media and the public about our use of animals in research or teaching.
• We will be proactive in providing opportunities for the public to find out about research or teaching involving animals.
• ​We will report annually on our efforts to improve openness in our use of animals in research or teaching.

Any proposed research project involving animals at Perth Zoo must have prior written approval from the Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) prior to commencement. Prospective researchers and students should be aware that the Animal Ethics Committee that oversees projects at Perth Zoo meets quarterly, and that ample time should be allowed to develop, refine and (where necessary) amend proposals in light of comments or direction by the AEC. Upon receipt of approval from the AEC you may also be required to submit a separate application to your University AEC for their information only.

If you have any enquiries, please contact the Research Office.

The Animal Ethics Terms of Reference explains why - and how - the Perth Zoo's Animal Ethics Committee operates.  

• Perth Zoo’s own Animal Welfare Charter (PDF). This guides all our animal-related activities.
• World Zoo and Aquarium Welfare Strategy - created to recognize that zoos and aquariums have a responsibility to achieve high standards of animal welfare in support of their goals as modern conservation organisations