THE WILD ANIMALS CAPTIVE ANIMALS REGULATIONS 1975
Regulation · Environment
Policy date: 1975-01-01
Regulations govern the keeping, breeding, and trade of wild animals in captivity in Nigeria, requiring permits and standards of care for operators. They target zoo operators, private keepers, circuses, and research institutions. This ensures humane treatment and prevents illegal wildlife trafficking.
What Is This Policy?
Regulations governing the keeping, breeding, exhibition, and trade of wild animals in captivity within Nigeria, requiring operators of zoos, circuses, and private animal facilities to obtain permits and maintain approved standards of care.
Who Does It Target?
Zoo operators and wildlife parks Private keepers of exotic and wild animals Circus and entertainment operators using wild animals Research institutions housing wild species
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To ensure humane treatment of captive wild animals, prevent illegal trafficking of wildlife, and maintain a registry of captive populations for conservation monitoring.
Key Features
Captivity Permit: Mandatory permit for any person or institution keeping wild animals in captivity. Welfare Standards: Prescribes minimum requirements for housing, feeding, and veterinary care of captive animals. Transfer Controls: Regulates the sale, donation, or movement of captive wild animals between keepers. Inspection Rights: Authorises wildlife officers to inspect premises and records of permit holders. Penalties: Provides for fines and cancellation of permits for non-compliance.
Current Status
In force. The regulations are enforced through state wildlife agencies and the Federal Ministry of Environment, with facility operators required to hold valid captive animal permits.
Submit a permit application to the relevant State Wildlife Department Provide details of species, numbers, and proposed housing facilities Pass an inspection of the premises before permit issuance Application method: State Wildlife or Forestry Departments
Important Terms
Permits are subject to annual renewal and inspection Unlicensed captive keeping is a criminal offence Animals found in sub-standard conditions may be confiscated
Official Resources
Website: State Ministries of Environment / Federal Department of Forestry Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Framework
Issued under the regulatory powers of the Federal Ministry of Environment pursuant to the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act (Cap E9 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the National Parks Service Act, the Wildlife Conservation Act, and Nigeria's obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act provides enforcement powers.