General information

Types of animal exhibitions

All animal exhibitions and animal performances should have a valid licence from us before an event or show is staged. 

Animal exhibitions are categorised either as permanent or temporary. 

A permanent animal exhibition is the exhibition of animals in a place for a period long enough to require approval by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) or Housing & Development Board (HDB). 

Examples include exhibitions in zoos, marine parks, and oceanariums. Permanent animal exhibition licences must be renewed annually. 

A temporary animal exhibition is a temporary event where animals are displayed. It may include animal performances featuring animals such as dogs and horses. 

Types of animals allowed in animal exhibitions 

Animal exhibitions should not include animals listed on the CITES appendices, unless we have granted approval. 

Wild animal performances can only be staged when a permanent animal exhibition licence has been granted. 

General responsibilities of animal exhibitors 

The animal exhibitor or licensee must comply with animal exhibition licence conditions [PDF, 149KB]. These conditions are meant to safeguard the animals’ welfare and ensure that all animal exhibitions are professionally staged.    

Exhibitors’ responsibilities include: 

• Ensuring the animals are healthy and in good physical condition. 

• Ensuring that the animals are exhibited in good living conditions which are clean and comfortable. 

• Ensuring that the animals are managed properly, given enough rest, and not subject to stress. 

You can refer to the guides on permanent animal exhibitions [PDF, 136KB] and animal performances [PDF, 121KB] for more details.