Council Directive 1999/22/EC relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos.

The objectives of this Directive are to protect wild fauna and to conserve biodiversity. To this end, Member States are required to adopt particular measures as regards the licencing and inspection of zoos, thereby strengthening the role of zoos in the conservation of biodiversity. Article 2 gives the definition of “zoo” for the purpose of this Directive. Article 3 specifies the conservation measures to be implemented by Member States, including, for instance: participation in research from which conservation benefits accrue to the species; promotion of public education and awareness in relation to the conservation of biodiversity; keeping of up-to-date records of zoos' collection; preventing the escape of animals in order to avoid possible ecological threats. Article 4 deals with licencing and inspection measures to be adopted by Member States in order to ensure that the requirements referred to in article 3 are met.