A new study from the British Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) has found that the sector is worth around £645m to the UK economy each year.

John Regan Associates carried out the economic impact assessment of the sector on behalf of BIAZA, which showed that animal attractions create more than 11,000 jobs.

Visitors to UK zoos and aquariums spend approximately £246m, while off-site expenditure is worth a further £198m to the economy.

BIAZA member attractions welcomed 25 million visitors during 2010, more than 1.2 million of which were on educational trips.

More than 600 research projects were carried out, with BIAZA members supporting more than 700 conservation schemes contributing more than £11m each year.

BIAZA director Dr Miranda Stevenson said: "Zoos and aquariums have a great deal of potential which is not being exploited by the government.

"They are not only a significant tourist attraction, but are of great conservational, educational and economic value in terms of local economic development and wealth generation.

"We hope this report will increase the recognition of the contribution they can make to the economy."