Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026

Registration Benefits: Individuals or entities in possession of prohibited wildlife species can register them with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to potentially qualify for exceptions under the law (Section 2(a)(2)(A)(iii)).

International Trade Flexibility: Compliant entities or facilities may be permitted to export to or import from foreign entities that are authorized and lawfully operating in their respective countries (Section 2(a)(2)(F) and Section 2(a)(3)).

Species Exclusions: The definition of prohibited wildlife species will no longer include the snow leopard, the clouded leopard, or any hybrid of those species (Section 2(b)).

Registration Cancellation Process: Registered entities or individuals have a process to submit an application to the Secretary of the Interior to cancel their registration if they qualify for an exception (Section 2(a)(2)(F)(4)).

Increased Restrictions for Registered Owners: Once a person registers prohibited wildlife species, they are prohibited from breeding, acquiring, or selling those species, and they cannot allow the public to have direct contact with them or exhibit them to the public (Section 2(a)(2)(F)(i)).

Expanded Liability: The bill expands the scope of who can be involved in these regulations to include owners, executives, volunteers, and various medical professionals like veterinary assistants or technicians (Section 2(a)(2)(A)(i)).