Firearms Training for Zoos & Wildlife Parks | Best Practice Guidance (LANTRA Accredited)

Accredited by LANTRA and developed specifically for professionals working in zoos and wildlife parks, this online firearms training course is designed to support compliance with UK legislation, BIAZA guidance, and the evolving Standards of Modern Zoo Practice
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Nationally recognised and Accredited course

This LANTRA-accredited course sets the industry standard for firearms training within zoological settings and is nationally recognised, supporting compliance with current UK legislation and zoo licensing expectations.

A few more words about this course

Incidents involving unauthorised access to enclosures and, on rare occasions, dangerous animal escapes highlight the importance of robust emergency planning, staff competence, and effective public safety measures within zoological settings.
 
Firearms Training for Zoos & Wildlife Parks, delivered by the Shooting & Hunting Academy, is accredited by LANTRA, the UK’s leading land-based awarding body. It is a nationally recognised course and widely regarded as a leading standard for firearms training within zoological settings.

Designed for both zookeepers and zoo managers, the course supports the development of the knowledge and competence required to respond effectively to emergency situations involving dangerous animals. It also provides managers with the understanding needed to select appropriate firearms, establish robust procedures, and support compliance with BIAZA guidance, UK legislation, and evolving zoo licensing standards.

Lead instructor Peter S Jones brings an extensive police background and over a decade of experience delivering firearms training to zoos and wildlife parks. His career has focused on managing high-risk situations, including incidents involving dangerous animals, providing a strong operational foundation for this specialist training.

Read more about the instructor here
Delivered through the Shooting & Hunting Academy, this comprehensive, certificated course is provided via a flexible online platform, making it accessible to zoos and wildlife parks across the UK.

The course provides practical, scenario-based insight into key areas including: appropriate firearm selection, licensing requirements, liaison with emergency services, safe and effective approaches to dangerous animals, and the relationship between shot placement and expected outcomes. It is designed to support both operational readiness and the documentation of staff competence for inspection and audit purposes. This provides organisations with clear, auditable evidence of training and competence suitable for zoo licensing inspections.

Organisations enrolling staff also benefit from a one-hour telephone consultation with the lead instructor, offering guidance on emergency procedures, equipment selection, and integration into wider incident response planning. Ongoing practical training and support can also be arranged where required.

In an increasingly regulated environment, it is essential that zoos and wildlife parks can demonstrate clear, effective, and well-documented emergency response capability. This course provides a structured and credible way to support that requirement while strengthening overall safety and preparedness.

Course contents

Meet the instructor

Peter S Jones

Peter S Jones is a nationally recognised authority on firearms use and one of the most influential voices in the UK today. He is widely consulted by government bodies and industry organisations and is regarded as a leading public authority on the safe, lawful and effective use of firearms across both professional and operational contexts.

With over two decades of experience, Peter operates at a strategic and representative level while maintaining direct, practical involvement in the field. He is the Founder and CEO of the Shooting & Hunting Academy and author of the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificates (PDS1 & PDS2) and Deer Management Certificate Level 3 (DMC3), qualifications widely recognised for setting professional standards in firearms use and wildlife management in the UK.

Peter has extensive experience delivering specialist firearms training to zoos and wildlife parks across the UK, supporting both keepers and managers in developing practical emergency procedures, improving staff competence, and aligning with current legislation and best practice guidance

Additionally, Peter acts as a trusted expert witness in UK courts and has provided independent technical opinion in cases involving firearms use, wildlife management and professional standards. He is involved in Parliamentary focus groups advising MPs on conservation, land management and wild food production, and regularly contributes to consultations with DEFRA, the Food Standards Agency and NatureScot.
Peter’s authority is reinforced by a previous ten-year career as a Detective with the Metropolitan Police Service, where he received a Commendation for Bravery and Professionalism following his handling of an armed incident and retired with an Exemplary Service Certificate. This background provides a strong operational foundation in managing high-risk situations, including those involving firearms and immediate threat response.

Through his combined work in operational practice, training, policy and as an expert witness, Peter S Jones is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most recognised and trusted authorities on the safe, lawful and effective use of firearms within modern wildlife and land management.

Course reviews

The CDS Firearms Training course for Zoos was very professional both in terms of content and delivery.
J.Merrington Zoo Manager
The content ensured that our zoo was up to date with UK legislation and BIAZA guidelines, I would strongly recommend this course to other zoos and wildlife parks.
Chessington World of Adventures

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE FIREARMS TRAINING COURSE FOR ZOOS & WILDLIFE PARKS?

The Firearms Training Course is an accredited online programme designed specifically for individuals working in zoos and wildlife parks. It offers best practice guidance on the use of firearms, complying with UK legislation and BIAZA guidelines. The course is developed to help zookeepers and zoo managers handle dangerous animal emergencies effectively.

WHO IS THE COURSE INTENDED FOR?

This course is intended for zookeepers, zoo managers, and wildlife park staff who are involved in managing dangerous animals and require knowledge and skills in firearms use for emergency situations. It is suitable for both new and experienced personnel looking to enhance their firearms handling and emergency response capabilities.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES THE COURSE OFFER TO ZOOS AND WILDLIFE PARKS?

Enrolling in this course provides zoos and wildlife parks with essential training in firearms use, enhancing their ability to manage dangerous animal emergencies. Participants also receive a 1-hour free telephone consultation with the lead instructor to review and improve their emergency procedures and equipment.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN TOPICS COVERED IN THE COURSE?

The course includes the following modules:
• Module 1: Introduction
• Module 2: Firearm safety and understanding the component parts
• Module 3: Selecting the right weapons & optics
• Module 4: Choosing the right calibre & ammunition
• Module 5: Marksmanship & Shooting positions
• Module 6: Shot placement & shot reaction
• Module 7: Contact & Cover and Reactionary gap
• Module 8: Following up on shot animals
• Module 9: Important procedural guidance