ENDCAP is a pan-European coalition of animal welfare NGOs and wildlife professionals from countries throughout Europe, whose members specialise in the welfare and protection of wild animals in captivity

ENDCAP brings together likeminded organisations to share knowledge, expertise and ideas, supporting those members with limited resources to develop and succeed

ENDCAP works to uphold national and international legislation that aims to secure high levels of animal welfare and seeks to ensure it is effectively enforced

ENDCAP campaigns for higher standards and the greater protection of wild animals in captivity in Europe – Europe’s Forgotten Animals

ENDCAP ultimately aims to END the keeping of wild animals in CAPtivity through education, advocacy, scientific investigation and lobbying

ENDCAP was established in 2006 by the Born Free Foundation (www.bornfree.org.uk) to consolidate, and amplify the work of animal welfare organisations in Europe. ENDCAP harmonises and increases understanding to ensure a united voice advocating higher welfare standards for wild animals in captivity.

Statement of Purpose

ENDCAP is an international network of European organisations dedicated to the protection and conservation of wildlife in the wild. ENDCAP is opposed to the unnecessary exploitation of wild animals in captivity. Through scientific research, education, campaigning and sharing of expertise and information, the Network seeks to expose neglect, suffering and cruelty endured by wild animals in zoological collections, circuses and dolphinaria; investigate the plight of wild animals held by private individuals and related trade issues; where possible, to alleviate animal suffering.

Focusing on the implementation and enforcement of Directive 1999/22/EC, the network influences and encourages a change in priorities away from captivity, through a non-breeding and non-replacement policy, towards the protection of wild animals in their natural habitat.

ENDCAP is a membership coalition of Non-Government Organisations and professionals that provides a forum for the exchange of information and expertise to support the projects and campaigns of individual members in their own countries.

Through collaboration and co-ordinated action, ENDCAP addresses issues at European policy level to seek the greater protection for wild animals in captivity in Europe.

Ultimately, ENDCAP and its Membership aim to phase-out the keeping of wild animals in captivity, through the adoption of advocacy, investigation, education and campaigning to increase an understanding of the issues and concurrently raise standards.

All Members actively take part in the development of the coalition, undertake agreed tasks within their country, pay an annual subscription (dependent upon income) and abide by ENDCAP policy.

All Non-Government Organisations, large and small, are able to join ENDCAP and annual subscription options are available for those with little or no income.

ENDCAP Focuses on five specific areas relevant to captive wild animals: zoos and aquaria (as defined by the EC Directive 1999/22/EC), dolphinaria, animal circuses, animal sanctuaries and wild animals kept as pets.

ENDCAP collects information and data using science-based investigations and analysis, to provide relevant competent authorities in European Member States and the European Institutions with accurate information in order to influence and encourage higher animal welfare standards.

ENDCAP supplies information and technical advice to competent authorities in order to increase their ability to effectively enforce national and international legislation and thus provide greater protection for wild animals in captivity.

Every year, the Membership is invited to attend the Annual Conference, usually in Brussels, which is vital to the development and success of ENDCAP.

ENDCAP collaborates with all relevant stakeholders to raise greater awareness about issues relating to wild animals in captivity.