We have a live petition demanding that Broxtowe Council rejects the plan to build a new zoo on greenbelt land in Trowell, Nottinghamshire, as the project will negatively impact animals, the environment and the local community if allowed to go ahead. 

Reece Oliver - the controversial owner of ‘Strelley Wildlife Conservation Facility’ - a backyard zoo already located at his private residence - has submitted plans to Broxtowe Council to build a new zoo on greenbelt land in the nearby village of Trowell. Currently marketed as 'The Broxtowe Retreat and Sanctuary', the designs include a restaurant, spa and 27 guest cabins, alongside many animal enclosures which will be built to hold a range of species captive.

 

 

Although described in their promotional material as “a sanctuary”, it will be run as a zoo model, with project developers expecting to be part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the Ex-Situ Breeding Program (EEP), and that 100% of the animals will be initially sourced via these programs. The term “sanctuary" is quite simply being used as a marketing tool.

Reece Oliver often states in the press that the size of the project will rival Britain's largest zoos. Yet regardless of this, Freedom for Animals knows that no zoo can provide the appropriate space or environment for animals to live a natural life, which is why so many sadly develop problems arising from malnutrition, stress, illness and stereotypical behaviours. In 2023, it is unacceptable to allow the development of yet another zoo to hold animals captive.

You can read into the campaign in more detail via our here.

We are calling for Broxtowe Council to reject application 22/00892/FUL to build a new zoo in Trowell. 

Please sign this petition to show your support for the campaign, and help animals today!