Wildlife Exhibitor Permit

PURPOSE: This rule establishes a permit to maintain and operate a wildlife exhibit containing Class I wildlife, Class II wildlife, and native fish other than those listed on the Approved Aquatic Species List, except coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, native bats, and prohibited species. (1) Wildlife Exhibitor Permit. To maintain and operate a wildlife exhibit in accordance with 3 CSR 10-9.371, holding Class I wildlife as defined in 3 CSR 10-9.230, Class II wildlife as defined in 3 CSR 10-9.240, and native fish not listed on the Approved Aquatic Species List in 3 CSR 10-9.110(3)(H), except coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, native bat species, and prohibited species as defined in 3 CSR 10-4.117. All wildlife must be obtained in accordance with federal regulations, if applicable, and must originate from a legal source other than the wild stock of this state. (2) Any person applying for a Wildlife Exhibitor Permit shall complete an application involving on-site inspections of the exhibit facilities by a conservation agent prior to and following construction activities to determine that all provisions of this rule and 3 CSR 10-9.371 are met before a permit is issued. (3) The following exemptions to the Wildlife Exhibitor Permit requirements of this chapter shall apply: (A) A Wildlife Exhibitor Permit shall not be required for wildlife legally held by publicly owned zoos, or Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited not-for-profit facilities; however, such wildlife may not be held for personal use; (B) A Wildlife Exhibitor Permit shall not be required of individuals holding migratory birds under valid federal authorization. All captive-reared migratory waterfowl must be confined and marked as prescribed in 3 CSR 10-9.220. NOTE: For federal regulations on migratory waterfowl, see Title 50, Parts 20 and 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations; (C) A Wildlife Exhibitor Permit shall not be required for the propagation, sale, or display of birds of prey by persons holding a valid federal permit, provided that these birds may be used to take or attempt to take wildlife only by persons holding a valid falconry permit; and (D) Wolf-hybrids are specifically exempted from the requirements of this rule, 3 CSR 10-9.371, and 3 CSR 10-9.372. AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const., and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed Jan. 22, 2021, effective Aug. 30, 2021. Amended: Filed May 25, 2023, effective Feb. 29, 2024. Amended: Filed May 16, 2025, effective Jan. 1, 2026. *Original authority: 252.040, RSMo 1945, amended 1989.