We're a rescue charity not a zoo - charity's dispute over zoo licence after rescuing meerkats Zig and Zag
“We are not and never will be a zoo, we are an animal rescue charity”
The words of Becky Richmond who along with her husband Chris established the charity Richmond Exotics which provides a rescue and adoption service to exotic animals who’ve been passed on or discarded by their owners.
Since setting up the charity two-and-a-half years ago, the couple have rescued and rehomed hundreds of animals from their Washington home, including Cuddles the royal python, Bob the red iguana, and a range of other snakes, spiders, including tarantulas, tortoises, scorpions, and lizards.
However, their situation changed last year (2025) after rescuing two meerkats called Zig and Zag. The couple have built an extensive enclosure in their garden which includes digging areas, tunnels, and a warm indoor space with heaters and UV lighting.
Explaining how they came to acquire the meerkats, Becky said: “You can actually buy meerkats online as part of the pet trade. These meerkats had been living in a house with a family where they were housed in a cage, although they did have an outside run.
“The owners were leaving the country. They had tried contacting zoos to rehome the meerkats, but had been told ‘no’ as it’s very difficult to integrate new animals into an existing meerkat mob.
“When the owners contacted us they were desperate and we said we would take them in. We had four days to build our enclosure which ensures Zig and Zag can enjoy their natural behaviours.”
Becky and Chris informed the council of their new additions and they say it was at this point they were told by the Council’s licencing team that they now need to acquire a zoo licence if they want to display the animals to the public for more than seven days a year - something the couple admit they hope to do in order to generate funds for the charity.
The company currently operates on an animal activities licence.
After we contacted Sunderland City Council, a spokesperson said: “Meerkats are an exotic species and need a zoo licence if they are to be exhibited for seven days or more over a year.
“The decision-making process for a licence includes a pre-application public notice of intent and this allows members of the public to give their views.
“A successful application grants an initial four year licence and during this period there must be two formal veterinary inspections.”
Responding to the Council’s stance, Becky said: “The wider council has been extremely supportive, and we value that relationship. Our concerns relate specifically to the licensing team and the way zoo licensing legislation is currently being interpreted.
“We are not and never will be a zoo. We are an animal rescue charity. Our understanding is that meerkats don’t trigger the need for a zoo licence.
“All our animals are exotic or wild animals and so why didn’t we need a zoo licence from day one, why is it only since rescuing Zig and Zag?”
The charity currently allows people to see their animals by appointment only, as well as taking some of the animals into local schools as part of a wider education programme.
With the rescue service now expanded to include Becky’s parents home, the couple would like to generate enough funds to secure a larger premises to home the rescued animals.
On the stipulation of the animals being displayed to the public more than seven times in a year, Becky said: “The meerkats are fantastic animals and it would be great for the public to be able to see them. If we can’t allow the public to see Zig and Zag because of the zoo licence red tape, then we are losing vital funds which could be reinvested into the charity.”
The couple have also cited other similar organisations across the country who they say have been given differing information from different local authorities.
Becky added: “We are just asking for some common sense to be applied as we are clearly not a zoo. Our main concerns are around communication, the interpretation of the law, and the frequent changes in guidance that make compliance unclear.”
Whilst the couple want to continue to operate on an animals activities licence, they would be willing to pay the £395 for the zoo licence but are concerned about the other additional expenses relating to inspections, which they say they have been unable to get clarity on.
Becky said: “As part of the applications process we would be inspected by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
“When we asked the person who came out from the Council, they suggested this would come to around £1,000, but we are aware of other similar organisations across the country where this has run into several thousands of pounds - money we don’t have and if we did, should be invested into the charity.
“It’s really difficult to get to speak to someone from DEFRA and we’ve been directed back to the council. We just want a clarity on an overall figure.”
On the issue of cost, a Council spokesperson said: “The council’s administrative fee is £395, not including the cost of a public notice, and there would be additional fees for the veterinary inspections.
“Dialogue with Richmond Exotics is continuing.”
Richmond Exotics is currently providing a rescue home to over 80 animals.