Exhibiting animals in Queensland

In Queensland, you need a licence or permit under the Exhibited Animals Act 2015 if proposing to exhibit native wildlife or non-indigenous animals in:

• zoos
• wildlife parks
• mobile exhibits
• circuses
• rabbits in magic acts.

You must understand the exhibited animal requirements before you apply for a licence or permit under the Exhibited Animals Act 2015.

When you apply for a licence or permit, you must detail the activities you plan to undertake with each species or individual of a species. This includes additional activities outside of exhibit requirements such as whether an animal's image will be recorded and used for social media or for film and television purposes.

An exhibition licence is granted for the purpose of exhibiting animals to the public during face-to-face displays.

It is not granted for activities outside of this scope, including:

• business not related to the exhibition of animals, for example, the use of animals for therapy
• sole use of animals for imaging, general filming and streaming on multimedia or social media platforms.

In Queensland, you are required to manage the risks associated with animal welfare, biosecurity and safety and be able to demonstrate that you are meeting your general exhibition and dealing obligations to animals in your care. The animals you exhibit are protected by animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental protection laws.

This guide outlines state and national laws that affect the exhibition of animals and discusses the licences and permits you need to exhibit and deal with animals as part of your business.