Key Takeaways

  • Starting a zoo involves significant financial, legal, and operational planning.
  • You must choose the type of zoo, such as a petting zoo, mobile zoo, or full-scale facility.
  • Federal and local regulations, including USDA licensing and zoning laws, must be followed.
  • A comprehensive business plan and feasibility study are crucial for long-term success.
  • Considerations like staffing, conservation efforts, education programming, and marketing will enhance your zoo’s value.
  • You may need support from professionals—an experienced attorney from UpCounsel can help navigate legal requirements.

Owning a Zoo

If you want to know how to start a zoo, there are several factors to consider.

In the United Kingdom, there are close to 400 zoos, and nearly half of them are privately owned. Because only 15 percent of the zoos in the country are run by local authorities, there are enticing opportunities for anyone interested in private zoo ownership.

Although owning a zoo may seem like a dream job for many, there are countless responsibilities involved. For instance, different animals have different needs, making caring for them correctly very complicated. You will also need to comply with zoo regulations at both the local and federal level.

Because you'll need food, housing, and medical care for the animals in your zoo, you will need a large budget. For most people, it's unrealistic to open a full-size zoo. However, you could fulfill your dream of being a zoo owner by opening a petting zoo.

Families with children love petting zoos for their fun, educational value, and they can also be a profitable business when run correctly.

If you're someone who's interested in opening a zoo, your first move should be to apply for a license for displaying animals.

Next, you will need to find and lease a plot of land. Look for a location that's large enough to build your facilities and comfortably house your animals, which you will also need to lease. Although a free-standing zoo is a popular option, you could also choose a farm operation or a mobile zoo.

By some estimates, zoo startup costs can range between $10,000 and $50,000.

Your primary concern should be ensuring the health and safety of the animals in your zoo and your visitors. After taking the steps to make sure your zoo will be safe, you will need to develop a strong marketing strategy and hire dependable employees.

Conduct a Feasibility Study and Business Planning

Before investing in land, animals, or enclosures, conduct a feasibility study to determine the demand and viability of your zoo business. This includes evaluating:

  • Market Demand: Are there competing zoos nearby? What demographics will your zoo serve?
  • Zoning Restrictions: Ensure the land you're considering is zoned for agricultural, recreational, or commercial use as required.
  • Visitor Projections: Estimate how many guests you’ll attract monthly and annually.
  • Financial Forecasting: Calculate initial investment needs, projected revenues, and ongoing operational costs such as staffing, veterinary care, insurance, and animal upkeep.

Once feasibility is confirmed, create a thorough business plan outlining:

  • Your mission and vision
  • Species selection
  • Staffing structure
  • Pricing and ticketing strategy
  • Revenue streams (admissions, events, merchandise, memberships)
  • Capital expenditures and funding sources

Decide What Type of Petting Zoo You'd Like to Open

When visitors come to a standard petting zoo, they will be able to see and physically interact with animals at a defined location.

In addition to these zoos, there are also traveling petting zoos. Traveling petting zoos will transport animals to different locations so that they can be viewed by people who normally wouldn't have access to a zoo. If you want to run a business that offers regular hours, you may want to establish a local petting zoo instead of a traveling petting zoo.

Traveling petting zoos frequently visit these locations:

  • Daycare centers
  • Community centers
  • Retirement communities
  • Schools
  • Events like fairs or carnivals

Evaluate Location and Facility Requirements

Location is critical for visibility, accessibility, and compliance. Look for a property that:

  • Offers ample space for animal enclosures, parking, visitor amenities, and emergency zones.
  • Is accessible to families and tourists, ideally within reach of urban or suburban centers.
  • Complies with noise ordinances and environmental regulations.

Facility design must prioritize animal welfare and public safety. Key infrastructure includes:

  • Species-specific enclosures with proper shelter and climate control
  • Veterinary care areas and quarantine zones
  • Waste disposal and drainage systems
  • Secure fencing and signage
  • Visitor pathways, viewing areas, restrooms, and concessions

Design your zoo layout to enhance both animal quality of life and visitor engagement.

Research Federal and Local Regulations Regarding the Care and Keeping

When you operate a zoo, you will need to abide by the Animal Welfare Act, which requires humane treatment of animals.

While running your zoo, you are required to provide your animals with:

  • A clean space where they can move comfortably
  • An area where they can rest out of the view of the public
  • A proper diet
  • Quality veterinary care

Zoos are not allowed to be located in residential areas, meaning you can't keep your zoo in your backyard. You might be required to have neighboring businesses sign a waiver if it's possible they may be disturbed by the sound of the animals in your zoo.

Obtain Permits and Licenses Beyond the USDA

While the USDA’s Class C Exhibitor's License is essential, additional permits may be required depending on your state or local jurisdiction:

  • Zoning and Land Use Permits: Needed to confirm the land use is appropriate for animal exhibitions.
  • Building Permits: Required for erecting animal enclosures, viewing structures, or public amenities.
  • Environmental Impact Assessments: Some regions require an evaluation of your zoo’s effect on the surrounding ecosystem.
  • State Wildlife Permits: If housing native or endangered species, you may need special authorization from your state’s wildlife agency.
  • Water and Waste Disposal Permits: Particularly for larger zoos, you may need environmental permits for stormwater and wastewater management.

Contact local planning commissions, state wildlife agencies, and public health departments to ensure compliance.

Legal Considerations

Acquiring the right paperwork is the most important step in opening your zoo. If you are opening a petting zoo in the United States, you will need a Class C Exhibitor's license, which gives you the ability to own and display animals.

You will not be granted your license unless your zoo staff includes a full-time or part-time veterinarian. You will also need to prove you are carrying a liability insurance policy. Liability insurance is needed to protect your zoo from claims made by guests who have suffered an injury. Even the meekest animal may attack if they feel unsafe, and liability insurance will protect you from lawsuits stemming from these incidents.

Federal zoo licenses are distributed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which is a part of the Department of Agriculture. The number of animals you are exhibiting will determine the fees you will need to pay. To find out which permits you will need to run your zoo, you can contact the game or wildlife office in your state.

Staffing and Training Requirements

Your zoo must employ qualified staff to meet both regulatory expectations and the needs of the animals. Common staffing roles include:

  • Veterinarians and Vet Techs: Required for routine and emergency animal care.
  • Zookeepers: Staff responsible for daily feeding, enrichment, cleaning, and observation.
  • Operations and Maintenance Crew: Ensures infrastructure, waste systems, and mechanical needs are addressed.
  • Education and Guest Services: Provide educational programming, manage tours, and support visitor experience.
  • Administrative Staff: Handle licensing, budgeting, HR, and legal compliance.

Ongoing training is crucial. Staff must be educated in animal welfare, emergency protocols, and visitor interaction policies. Regular workshops can help your team stay compliant with federal animal welfare regulations.

Marketing and Community Engagement

An effective marketing strategy is essential for generating visibility and revenue. Consider the following:

  • Digital Presence: Build a professional website with online ticketing, animal bios, and visitor information.
  • Social Media Marketing: Share behind-the-scenes content, animal highlights, and event promotions on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
  • Local Partnerships: Collaborate with schools, daycares, and community groups to host field trips and outreach programs.
  • Press Releases & Events: Announce your zoo’s opening, special exhibits, or conservation efforts through local media and event listings.

Offering educational programs and conservation initiatives can further position your zoo as a valuable resource in the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to start a zoo? Startup costs can range from $10,000 for a small petting zoo to over $1 million for a full-scale zoological park, depending on land, animal care, and infrastructure needs.

2. Do I need a license to start a petting zoo? Yes. You’ll need a USDA Class C Exhibitor's License and may also need state wildlife permits, zoning approval, and liability insurance.

3. Can I start a zoo on my own property? Not usually. Most jurisdictions prohibit zoos in residential zones. You'll need to confirm land use regulations with your local planning department.

4. What animals can I include in my zoo? The species allowed depends on your licenses and local laws. Common petting zoo animals include goats, sheep, rabbits, and llamas. Exotic animals may require special permits.

5. What kind of insurance is needed for a zoo? At a minimum, liability insurance is necessary. You may also need coverage for animal mortality, property damage, and worker’s compensation.

If you need help or information on how to start a zoo, you can post your legal needs on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.