These guidelines are for applications to hold absolutely protected species for advocacy purposes.
Separate guidelines are being developed for considering applications to hold absolutely protected species in captivity for species recovery or site restoration purposes and for species held in private collections.
Find out how to apply and what the process for considering your application is.
Find out what information and documents you need to include in your application. There are different requirements for renewal applications.
Learn what is required for a Programme Outline and get a template showing the Programme Outline standards.
Learn what is required for a Husbandry Manual and get a template showing the Husbandry Manual standards.
Learn what is required for a Advocacy Plan and get a template showing the Advocacy Plan standards.
Learn about the acceptable sources and destinations for captive animals.
Find out about the requirements for facilities and collections for public display.
View a table showing the points allocated for a range of criteria for further assessment of applications to hold species for advocacy.
These guidelines were developed by DOC and representatives of Conservation Management Advisory Group and Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (CMAG:ARAZPA NZ).
View the Wildlife Act 1953 on www.legislation.govt.nz
DOC has 12 regions called conservancies. Get contact details for the relevant conservancy office.