The Exhibited Animals Protection Act (EAPA) of NSW is currently Australia's most stringent animal management legislation relating to the exhibition of exotic and native animals. Perth Zoo uses the EAPA as a guide to the construction of new, or upgrading of existing exhibits, and its animal husbandry activities are subject to the scrutiny of an Ethics Committee constituted according to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) code of practice.

In short, Perth Zoo specifically aligns itself with Australia's most stringent exhibited animal management guidelines and has actively created a committee whose responsibility it is to consider animal related research projects and broader animal welfare issues in the Zoo. This committee comprises a representative from the RSPCA, members of the wider community and senior Zoo staff.

Exhibits
Wherever possible, animals at Perth Zoo are housed in exhibits that replicate their natural environment. Perth Zoo is widely recognised for its redevelopment program to bring its exhibits up to the current standard.

CITES
Australia is a signatory to the CITES agreement (the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) which regulates the importation of animals to control the illegal trade in wildlife. In short, international laws protect those species which are threatened in the wild from exploitation. Perth Zoo complies with that agreement.

ARAZPA
Perth Zoo is also a member of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria. ARAZPA has its own code of ethics and all member institutions abide by this code in their operation.

Live feed policy
Perth Zoo does not use animals such as live birds, reptiles or mammals as food for its animals. In order to stimulate natural feeding instincts, the Zoo does feed live insects (termites & crickets), and analids (mealworms) to some of its smaller reptiles and mammals.