Zoo Bird of Prey Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Raptors in zoos and falconry centres face specific welfare challenges around flight restriction, social isolation and captive management. Evidence-based husbandry is essential for high welfare.

Key Facts

Over 300 raptor species are held in captivity globally for conservation, falconry and education
Flight is a fundamental behavioural need for most raptor species
Flight aviary minimum sizes are defined in UK law but are often disputed as inadequate
Tethering of falconry birds is legal but causes stereotypies if exercise is insufficient
Raptors have vision acuity 2-8 times greater than humans - visual environment quality matters

Welfare Considerations

Raptors in tethered falconry systems experience welfare costs from restricted movement and social isolation. Regular flying exercise to natural prey or lures reduces stereotypic behaviour and maintains musculoskeletal condition. Free-loft aviaries with complexity - perch variety, shelter, visual screening - enable more natural behaviour but require species-appropriate social management. Display birds used for public education sessions experience repeated human approach stimuli; habituation reduces stress but requires careful management. Wild raptor release programmes after rehabilitation require welfare assessment before and after return to the wild.

What You Can Do

Visit accredited falconry and raptor centres that demonstrate free-flying exercise programmes
Avoid raptor encounters that involve birds with signs of stereotypic behaviour
Support UK raptor conservation organisations tackling persecution and habitat loss
Engage with British Falconers Club welfare guidelines when evaluating falconry practices
Report raptor welfare concerns at commercial attractions to local authority inspectors