Brexit threatening endangered species as red tape hits zoo breeding programmes

Ramon the orangutan was transferred from Blackpool Zoo to Munster in June 2022. Photograph: Blackpool Zoo/Shutterstock

Breeding programmes designed to save critically endangered species are being jeopardised by Brexit, with zoos warning they are being prevented from transferring animals such as rhinos and giraffes by red tape created by the UK’s departure from the EU.

The animal health regulation was passed in 2016 before the EU referendum, but came into force in April 2021. There have been no reports that the UK dissented from the regulation.