World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

Register for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Academy Animal Training Seminar 2025! The seminar will focus on a compassionate, evidence-based approach to animal training, inspired by Israel Goldiamond’s Constructional Approach. Aimed at zoo professionals, it will offer new insights into promoting animal welfare and achieving effective behaviour outcomes. Keynote speakers, T. V. Joe Layng PhD and Paul Andronis PhD, leaders in behavioural science, will share their expertise and provide valuable guidance throughout the seminar. 🗓️ 11-12 June 2025 📍 ZSL London Zoo, United Kingdom 🎟️ Participants can join either in person or online. For more information 👉 https://lnkd.in/dzumPDyS

Earlier this month, James Biggs joined colleagues from regional zoo and aquarium associations around the world to help shape the next steps for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) 2030 Conservation Goal to better define and measure how our community contributes to conservation. Over three days, the team tackled some big questions: - What counts as conservation work? - How do we track that work in a way that’s fair, consistent, and achievable across very different regions? - How do we support associations and institutions that are just getting started on this journey? Together, the group drafted a framework of conservation activities and indicators, and began conversations on reporting systems and capacity needs. There’s still a lot to resolve, especially around implementation, consultation and ensuring the framework works for everyone, not just those with existing resources or systems. This work isn’t about adding more pressure but about making sure the genuine conservation efforts happening across zoos and aquariums are recognised, supported and used to strengthen our sector’s collective impact. Thanks to everyone who attended and brought honesty and critical thinking to the table. There’s more to do, but this was a valuable step.

Auckland Zoo is making significant progress in the recovery of the New Zealand fairy tern through the Tara Iti Recovery Programme. This marks the fifth year of the programme, which has introduced an intensive management approach involving the incubation, hatching, and hand-rearing of chicks to increase their chances of survival in the wild. New Zealand fairy terns are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with only 35 adults remaining in the wild. Every chick that reaches breeding age represents a crucial step toward the population's recovery. This programme highlights the importance of targeted conservation in preventing the extinction of vulnerable species. 💡 Find out more ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dnEQDRbu

greenloop 25 – blooloop’s sustainability conference for the visitor attraction industry returns on 13-14 May for its fifth year of driving change! Join industry leaders as they share real-world solutions, cutting-edge science, and practical insights on climate action. 🗓️ 13-14 May 2025 📍 Online Info & registration 👇 https://lnkd.in/d-jKFqgr

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) has been supporting kea conservation efforts from afar since 2018, contributing to key projects aimed at protecting this Endangered parrot species native to New Zealand’s South Island. One recent project tested whether motion-detection strobe lights could deter kea from damaging property, and whether they might even attract the birds. Reducing these conflicts helps protect kea from injury and fosters better coexistence with local communities. DZCA staff member Jessica Meehan and a team of Animal Care Specialists helped create a searchable database that allows field researchers to quickly identify useful data and assess the effectiveness of strobe lights. This collaboration demonstrates that impactful conservation can happen from anywhere. While fieldwork in New Zealand is crucial, the behind-the-scenes efforts from Colorado are helping to advance kea conservation. 📌 Learn more https://lnkd.in/dzxbWJ-h 📸 Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

In celebration of #WorldRewildingDay, #ReverseTheRed announces grants to provide financial, strategic, promotional, and network support to accelerate action for threatened species. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eAb5CGhb Thanks to The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund Synchronicity Earth for presenting these awards and to the Reverse the Red Executive Committee Botanic Gardens Conservation International IUCN Species Survival Commission Re:wild Toronto Zoo World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Zoological Society of London (ZSL) for support. Global Center for Species Survival Amphibian Survival Alliance Conservation Planning Specialist Group

🍃 Today is #WorldRewildingDay! As part of the global effort to support nature’s recovery, Zoologischer Garten Berlin is supporting the reintroduction of the European bison to Azerbaijan’s Shahdag National Park. In collaboration with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), Tierpark Berlin, Rewilding Europe, and WWF Germany, the zoo is helping re-establish a self-sustaining population in the Caucasus. This initiative reflects the principles of rewilding, an approach to conservation that trusts in nature’s resilience. Rewilding allows natural processes to shape land and sea, repair damaged ecosystems, and restore degraded landscapes. It involves removing barriers, reducing active wildlife management, and fostering natural regeneration. The reintroduction of the European bison is a key step in demonstrating how rewilding can revitalise ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to the long-term recovery of species and habitats. Find out more 👇 https://lnkd.in/eKnB-R6j

On #GlobalRecyclingDay, let’s recognise the positive steps zoos and aquariums are taking to eliminate single-use plastic and inspire lasting change. ♻️ From eliminating plastic bottles to implementing eco-friendly initiatives, WAZA members are actively addressing plastic waste. How can your institution take action? WAZA has developed a Short Guide offering practical recommendations to help zoos and aquariums reduce their plastic footprint. 🔗 Learn more and download the guide https://lnkd.in/dgdbiiJJ South Carolina Aquarium | Mandai Wildlife Group | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Two Oceans Aquarium | Zoos South Australia | Calgary Zoo | Shedd Aquarium | Tierpark Nordhorn

The Florida Aquarium, an American Humane Society Certified facility, is leading the way in sea turtle conservation, particularly in addressing the issue of cold-stunning, where sudden temperature drops leave turtles immobile and vulnerable. Since 1999, the Aquarium has rehabilitated over 400 turtles, with 388 successfully returned to the wild. In 2019, they expanded their efforts with the opening of a state-of-the-art Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, increasing their capacity to care for these animals. Currently, the Aquarium is caring for 55 turtles, many of which are tagged and tracked to gather valuable data on their migration patterns. This research helps scientists at The Florida Aquarium better understand sea turtle behaviours and improve future rehabilitation efforts. Find out more 👇 https://lnkd.in/dA74GEHx

Efforts to safeguard the boxer pupfish, a species thought to be extinct in the wild, have taken a significant step forward through a new breeding programme led by Bristol Zoological Society and Zoological Society of London (ZSL)’s Whipsnade Zoo. Once native to Lake Chichancanab in Mexico, the species has not been recorded in the wild for over two years, likely due to the introduction of invasive fish species. To support its conservation, more than 50 eggs were transferred from Whipsnade to Bristol at the end of 2025. Over 29 eggs have since hatched, contributing to the goal of establishing a stable population across multiple sites. Next steps include breeding between the two sites and increasing numbers to at least 100 individuals. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of coordinated conservation initiatives in protecting vulnerable species and preserving biodiversity. Read the Story 👉 https://lnkd.in/dBSaFiqR