If you’ve ever driven past a zoo and noticed the subtle yet critical fencing that keeps animals and visitors safe, you might have wondered: is barbed wire ever part of that setup? As a barbed wire supplier with 12 years of experience working with agricultural, industrial, and now, a growing number of zoo operations, I get that question all the time. My first instinct is to be honest—barbed wire isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for zoo enclosures. But that doesn’t mean it has no place in modern zoo design. To break this down, we need to look at the unique needs of zoo animals, visitor safety regulations, and the practical realities of maintaining a space where wild animals live in human care. Barbed Wire
Let’s start with why zoos initially hesitated to use barbed wire at all. For decades, barbed wire was synonymous with rural pastures, built to stop livestock from wandering and keep predators out. Its sharp, outward-pointing barbs were designed to cause discomfort to anything that pressed against it, and that feature became a selling point for keeping unwanted animals at bay. But early zoo enclosures that relied on barbed wire had a lot of drawbacks. For one, it posed a risk to large, curious animals like giraffes or bears that might accidentally rub against it, leading to cuts, infections, or even more serious injuries. There was also the visual aspect: many zoo-goers visit to feel connected to nature, and a strand of barbed wire running along the top of an enclosure can break that immersive feeling, making the space feel more like a prison than a habitat. That’s why most zoos shifted to smoother, more aesthetic fencing options, like chain-link or hidden electric fencing, for main enclosures.
But here’s the part many people don’t hear: barbed wire still has a specific, evidence-based role in zoo operations, when used correctly. The key is knowing where and how to deploy it, not slapping it across an entire elephant enclosure. Let’s take a common example: perimeter fencing. Most modern zoos have a two-layer perimeter around their entire property to separate the public areas from the animal habitats and staff zones. The outer perimeter is designed to keep out stray dogs, raccoons, coyotes, and other animals that could spread disease to zoo residents or disrupt operations. That’s where barbed wire comes in, specifically a heavy-duty, coil-type barbed wire called concertina barbed wire. I’ve supplied this to three zoos in the Midwest over the past five years, and their maintenance teams rave about it. Unlike traditional barbed wire, concertina barbed wire is coiled tightly into a spiraled shape, so it’s harder to climb, and the barbs are spaced far enough apart that it doesn’t pose a risk to birds that might accidentally fly into it. One zookeeper at a suburban Chicago zoo told me that before they added concertina barbed wire to their outer perimeter, they’d have to trap 10-15 coyotes a year that snuck under their old chain-link fence. Now, they only get one or two a year, and no zoo animals have ever been disturbed by a predator on the other side.
Another spot where barbed wire shines is in secondary barriers around sensitive areas, like veterinary clinics, food storage sheds, or off-exhibit animal holding areas. These spaces often house animals that are recovering from surgery, or storing food that could attract rodents, which in turn attract larger predators. For these small, high-security zones, we supply a lighter-gauge barbed wire that’s easy to install but still tough enough to keep out curious raccoons or staff members who don’t have access to those areas. I’ve also worked with zoos that use barbed wire as a secondary layer on top of electric fencing for enclosures housing large, strong animals like moose or bison. The electric shock keeps the animals from pressing against the fence line, but the barbed wire acts as a backup if an animal gets through the electrical circuit—though we always insist that this is only done in enclosures with enough space for the animals to avoid contact.
Of course, there are strict rules about when barbed wire should never be used in zoos, and that’s a point I always emphasize to clients. It should never be used as the primary fencing for a main animal exhibit, especially for animals that can reach or climb the fence. Primates, for example, are extremely intelligent and curious, and a single barbed wire strand on top of their enclosure could lead to serious injury. Zoos that house primates use smooth mesh fencing or glass barriers instead. Barbed wire is also never used anywhere near water features, where animals like otters or penguins might swim up to the fence line, or in areas where small mammals like rabbits or rodents could get caught in the barbs. All of this ties back to the core of zoo management: prioritizing animal welfare first, then visitor safety, and then operational efficiency.
I’ve seen a lot of misinformation online about barbed wire in zoos lately, so I want to address a common concern: what about animal rights groups pushing back on barbed wire in captivity? Their concerns are valid—no animal should suffer unnecessary harm. That’s why all the barbed wire I supply to zoos meets strict safety standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the leading accrediting body for zoos in North America. The AZA requires that any fencing used must be checked weekly for loose strands, sharp points, or damaged sections, and any barbed wire used must be mounted high enough (usually 8 feet or higher) so that large animals can’t reach it, and small animals can’t get trapped between the strands. We also supply barbed wire with rounded barbs in some cases, which reduce the risk of cuts while still maintaining the deterrent effect— it’s a middle ground that zoos love.
Another factor that’s changed how barbed wire is used in zoos is technology. Modern barbed wire isn’t the same as the rusty, old strands you might see on an old farm fence. We now offer hot-dip galvanized barbed wire, which is coated in a layer of zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. That’s critical for zoos, which are often located near water or in areas with high humidity, where regular fencing would degrade quickly. A few years ago, I supplied galvanized concertina barbed wire to a zoo in Florida, and their maintenance team told me that three years later, the wire looks almost brand new—no rust, no sharp edges, no need for replacement. That saves zoos a lot of money in the long run, which is important because many zoos operate on tight budgets, relying on ticket sales and donations.
Let me share a personal story that sticks with me. Two years ago, I was at a regional zoo to deliver a batch of barbed wire for their outer perimeter, and I got to walk the fence line with one of the senior zookeepers. We stopped at a section where a group of red kangaroos was grazing just a few feet from their exhibit fence. The keeper pointed out that their main kangaroo enclosure is a large, open space with a moat around it, so they don’t need barbed wire there. But right next to that, there’s a staff parking lot, and a small gap in the main fence could let a kangaroo wander into the lot, which would be dangerous for both the kangaroo and visitors. That’s where we installed a low-strand barbed wire line between the moat and the parking lot, mounted 5 feet high, just enough to keep the kangaroos from stepping through the gap. The keeper told me that a few years before adding that, a kangaroo did jump the moat and ended up in the parking lot, leading to a temporary closure of the zoo. That’s the kind of small, practical use of barbed wire that no one thinks about, but it makes a huge difference for safety.
I also want to be transparent about the limits of barbed wire in zoos. It’s not a solution for enclosures with highly agile or climbing animals, as I mentioned before. It’s not a replacement for proper electric fencing or mesh barriers for main exhibits. And it’s never used in areas where it would detract from the visitor experience—zoos want their guests to feel immersed in the natural world, and a barbed wire fence in the middle of a savanna exhibit would ruin that. But when used correctly, in the right spots, with the right safety standards, it’s an essential tool for keeping zoos running smoothly.
Now, as a supplier, I know that when a zoo is looking for fencing solutions, they need to partner with someone who understands their unique needs—not just sell them the cheapest wire on the market. I don’t try to push barbed wire for every job, because I know it’s not always the right fit. But I do make sure that when a zoo does need barbed wire, it’s tailored to their specific space, their animal residents, and their budget. Whether you’re managing a small local zoo or a large regional facility, having the right security is non-negotiable. If you’re wondering if barbed wire is right for your zoo, or you need a consultation on perimeter fencing, security barriers, or any other wire-related needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ve worked with dozens of zoos across the country, and I can help you find the solution that balances safety, animal welfare, and visitor experience.
Galvanized Wire References
Association of Zoos and Aquariums. (2022). Facilities Standards for Zoos and Aquariums.
National Animal Care and Control Association. (2021). Fencing Standards for Wildlife Facilities.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (2020). Guidelines for Fencing in Zoological Settings.
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