Supporting H.R. 7159 – The Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026
Across the country, licensed zoological facilities play a critical role in conservation, education, and responsible animal care. H.R. 7159 – the Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026 is designed to correct unintended consequences of past legislation and ensure that responsible, law-abiding facilities can continue their conservation missions without unnecessary regulatory barriers.
For the Feline Conservation Foundation (FCF) community, this legislation represents more than policy—it represents the ability to continue protecting wild cats and supporting the professionals who dedicate their lives to their care.
Why the Protecting Local Zoos Act Matters
Licensed zoos and conservation facilities:
• Provide lifetime, high-quality care to ambassador animals
• Support in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs
• Fund and conduct critical research
• Offer public education that inspires the next generation of conservationists
• Maintain professional veterinary and husbandry standards
However, broad federal regulations—often written to target bad actors—can unintentionally impact responsible facilities that already meet strict standards. H.R. 7159 seeks to clarify language, eliminate regulatory confusion, and protect facilities that are operating legally and ethically.
This bill does not weaken protections for wildlife. Instead, it ensures that conservation partners are not penalized while continuing to meet federal licensing and compliance requirements.
The Role of Advocacy in the FCF Community
Advocacy is central to FCF’s mission. As a conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of wild felids and responsible animal management, FCF understands that policy decisions directly impact:
• The future of captive breeding programs
• Conservation funding streams
• Educational outreach efforts
• Veterinary and animal transfer logistics
• Long-term sustainability of licensed facilities
When legislation affects zoological institutions, it affects conservation outcomes.
That is why FCF board members and supporters regularly engage with lawmakers, provide data-driven testimony, and equip members with tools to communicate effectively with their representatives. Advocacy ensures that decisions are based on facts, not fear-driven narratives.
Protecting Conservation Through Facts and Professional Standards
Much of the public conversation around wildlife policy is fueled by sensationalized statistics and emotional rhetoric. The FCF community is committed to presenting clear data, professional standards, and real-world conservation impact.
Licensed facilities are not backyard operations. They are regulated, inspected, and accountable. They partner with veterinarians, participate in professional associations, and invest significant resources into animal welfare and conservation programs—both domestically and internationally.
By supporting H.R. 7159, we are supporting:
• Science-based policy
• Responsible wildlife stewardship
• Community education
• Ethical conservation practices
How the FCF Community Can Take Action
Advocacy does not require being a policy expert—it requires being informed and willing to engage.
You can help by:
• Contacting your U.S. Representative and voicing support for H.R. 7159
• Sharing factual information about the bill within your network
• Participating in advocacy events and campaigns
• Encouraging colleagues and supporters to stay informed
Every letter, every call, and every conversation makes a difference.
A United Voice for Wildlife
The future of conservation depends on strong partnerships between lawmakers and the professional zoological community. The Protecting Local Zoos Act ensures that licensed, responsible facilities can continue doing what they do best—caring for animals, educating the public, and supporting species survival.
The FCF community has always stood at the intersection of passion and professionalism. Now is the time to stand together once again.
Support H.R. 7159. Support responsible zoos. Support conservation.
