Over 40 dangerous wild animals licensed to live in Norfolk

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 08:44 · Archive

More than 40 dangerous wild animals requiring licensing are living in Norfolk, according to new data from wildlife charity Born Free.

Born Free, an international wildlife charity, has released 2026 data showing that more than 40 dangerous wild animals requiring licensing are living in Norfolk. The survey revealed that across Great Britain, more than 2,270 such animals are licensed to be kept privately. In total, 156 private addresses across 115 local authorities hold licences or are in the application process.

The distribution across Norfolk is uneven. Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Broadland and Breckland currently house no animals classed as dangerous wild animals. South Norfolk is home to three servals, a small wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa, and a pair of savannah cat crosses. North Norfolk keeps three lowland tapirs and two Bactrian camels. King's Lynn and West Norfolk has the highest concentration: 33 blackbucks, a type of antelope commonly found in India and Nepal.

The blackbuck population in King's Lynn and West Norfolk represents an increase of eight from 2025, when the area held 25. By contrast, last year's data showed that Breckland housed two clouded leopards and a lemur, while Broadland had a wild boar and an ostrich. None of these animals are recorded in those authorities this year.

Born Free has cautioned that these licensed animals may not be the only dangerous ones being kept in Norfolk. All animals recorded are being kept legally under the Dangerous Animals Act 1976.

How it is being reported

• The 'dangerous wild animals' living in NorfolkNew data has found that there are more than 40 "dangerous wild animals" which required licensing living in Norfolk.Eastern Daily Press · 1 Nov, 08:23
• The 'dangerous wild animals' living in NorfolkNew data has found that there are more than 40 "dangerous wild animals" which required licensing living in Norfolk.Norwich Evening News · 1 Nov, 08:23

In this story: Born Free · Norfolk · Great Britain · King's Lynn and West Norfolk · South Norfolk · North Norfolk

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