Research at zoos and aquariums: Regulations and reality

Institutions that exhibit animals and also engage in basic and/or applied research using collection animals are faced with complying with numerous Federal regulations and institutional policies. Whether or not a zoo or aquarium is required to become a registered research facility, most of these institutions already have an internal research committee. Registration as a research facility under the Animal-Welfare Act requires the establishment of an effective Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. We explore the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act, the role of the institution's own research committee, and some of the problematic issues encountered while conducting zoo and aquarium animal related research.