The European Commission has threatened court action against 10 nations for failing to apply legislation to protectzoo animals.
The EC gave the ten - Ireland, England, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Denmark,Austria and Finland -two months to apply a 1999 EU directiveor face action at the European Court of Justice.
"Member States must quickly ensure that their national legislation providesan adequate framework for managing zoos to improve the conservation interest ofthe animals in their care," said EU Environment Commissioner MargotWallstroem.
The EU law aims to ensure humane conditions for zoo animals, while improvingthe role zoos can play in protecting wild species.
In obliges national authorities to licence all zoos and carry out regularinspections. Zoos must ensure animals are held in conditions that "satisfy thebehavioural needs" of each species, with high standards of veterinary care andnutrition.
Under the EU law, zoos should take part in research and information exchangeson conservation and promote public awareness of the needs of wildlife andnatural habitats.
AP