Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has officially entered the top tier of British zoological attractions after securing a prestigious mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). The accreditation follows a rigorous screening process by industry experts, positioning the Aberford-based site as a leader in animal welfare and conservation.
The timing of the announcement coincides with the upcoming Love Your Zoo Week, scheduled to run from May 23 to May 31. This national recognition confirms that the facility meets the highest standards in education, research, and the physical care of its diverse inhabitants. For local families and conservation enthusiasts, the award validates the zoo’s transition from a local attraction to a nationally significant wildlife hub.
Elite status for Aberford’s wildlife conservation hub
Achieving BIAZA accreditation is a demanding process that extends far beyond the mandatory UK and Ireland zoo licensing inspections. To earn the mark of excellence, Wildlife World underwent a comprehensive evaluation earlier this year, involving detailed questionnaires, expert site screenings, and the submission of extensive documented evidence regarding their daily operations.
This new accreditation scheme is designed to highlight zoos that go the extra mile in providing world-class animal care. By meeting these criteria, Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World joins its sister site, Leeds’ Tropical World, which also secured BIAZA status following its own expert screening in 2025. These two venues are among the first in the country to be recognized under the updated, more stringent BIAZA standards.
Rare breeding success and global conservation efforts
Beyond its role as a visitor destination, the zoo has become a vital player in international breeding and conservation programmes. The facility is home to a varied collection of species, including penguins, emus, wallabies, and capybaras. It also provides a sanctuary for critically endangered Visayan warty pigs, a species facing significant threats in the wild.
One of the most notable achievements for the staff occurred in 2025 with the successful breeding of the blue-crowned laughingthrush. This bird is considered one of the rarest species on the planet, and the successful rearing of chicks in Leeds represents a major victory for global avian conservation. Such successes are a direct result of the specialized management and expertise that the BIAZA accreditation now formally recognizes.
Family activities for Love Your Zoo Week
With the new accreditation in place, the team at Lotherton is preparing for a busy Love Your Zoo Week starting May 23. The event is designed to connect the public with the vital work happening behind the scenes. Visitors can participate in specially designed animal trails and educational sessions that explain how local support contributes to international conservation efforts.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, noted that the accreditation reflects the passion of the staff in maintaining a world-class standard. The recognition ensures that visitors can be confident in the ethics and quality of the facility.
Dr Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA, emphasized that receiving accredited status is a significant hurdle for any institution. She stated that the achievement is a testament to the hard work of the entire team, noting that the role of high-quality zoos is increasingly critical as the world faces an ongoing nature crisis.
Useful details for your visit
- Location: Lotherton Hall, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB.
- Key Species: Visayan warty pigs, blue-crowned laughingthrush, penguins, and capybaras.
- Event Dates: Love Your Zoo Week runs from May 23 to May 31.
- Accreditation: Officially BIAZA accredited as of 2026.
Source: Leeds City Council
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