I am still at uni studying animal welfare in the UK. My dream is to own my own small childrens farm mini zoo place.
1) Where would i start at this??
2)do anyone have any animal lists like suplus from places.
3) What would make you come to the places when it still small scale.
Just a few questions to start with.
Many people, particularly disenchanted zookeepers, often give some thought to how they could better run a zoo. However I would suggest first at getting some experience from a number of collections (doesn't matter whether they are big or small), starting from the bottom up. You will begin to understand some of the pitfalls of running a zoo even from a lowly position. Try to determine what exactly it is that you want from running your own collection. Is it a lifestyle thing? If you are hoping to work mostly with animals, then chances are this won't happen. You will be spending far more time running the business. If it is living with a varied menagerie, maybe shrink the plans and just keep a selection of species privately. Running your own business is alot of hard work and stress.
However, as for your particular questions:
1) I would look to place a new collection in an area that receives tourists, and somewhere not likely to compete closely with other collections. If your collection is specialised, like an aquarium, you may be able to compete closer to existing farm parks or traditional zoos. However many larger parks will overlap with commonly available species (ie. both may keep pygmy goats and meerkats).
Do alot of research, talking with tourism offices/departments to find out visitor trends. Placing the collection in the wrong place could be a terribly expensive mistake. Just remember there are alot of animal-based collections in the UK, and many well-run organisations have folded in the past for a variety of reasons. Think about long-term plans and risks. For example any collection that relied on the tourism pull of Weston-super-Mare's pier would have to rethink their strategy of attracting visitors.
2) Species that are in the pet trade (aquarium fish, herps, birds, domestic stock) are all easily available; it just depends how deep your pockets are. More traditional zoo animals are regularly available surplus from many zoos. However these collections need to feel comfortable dealing with an unknown collection. If you are a member of a known organisation such as BIAZA, then things will move more smoothly. But you need to be realistic. Just because a tiger is surplus, does not mean that you have the facilities or experience to keep one.
3) What would make me come and see your collection??? Difficult to answer. I have seen numerous collections around the world, but have missed going to some that I have lived relatively nearby. To attract new visitors, generally you need to have a niche. Find out what other collections are doing close by, and don't copy them. Chances are you won't compete.
There is a multitude of factors that you will need to keep in mind, that I couldn't possibly name all on the spot: legislation, business plans, utility connections, land ownership and expansion, planning permission, waste control, health and safety, vets. I know I will think of more after I send this reply. One way around some of these factors is to buy an established business. Two problems are encountered - it costs alot in advance to buy an established company, and they don't come up very often. Look on business websites.
Oh and you will need a fair amount of cash as most zoos struggle to make a profit. Try and entice a TV show to follow you... Good luck, you will need it.
