World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

Taronga Conservation Society Australia is making significant advances to combat the illegal wildlife trade!  Since 2016, scientists from Taronga Conservation Society Australia alongside partners, have been instrumental in developing innovative forensic tools to identify illegally trafficked native wildlife, one of the major contributors to biodiversity loss globally and in Australia. Using elemental analysis of keratin tissues, they can identify whether animals were wild-caught or captive-bred with high accuracy.  By creating databases of elemental signatures, the team can trace species like shingleback and blue-tongue lizards, helping authorities distinguish legal from illegal trade. Ongoing research aims to expand these methods to other species, strengthening global conservation efforts.  We congratulate Taronga Conservation Society Australia on receiving an honourable mention for the EarthRanger 2024 Conservation Technology Award for their innovative work on addressing wildlife trafficking! The EarthRanger Conservation Technology Award recognises organisations who are advancing the field of conservation through technology-driven solutions and changing the ways we protect and coexist with wildlife.  Learn more 👉https://lnkd.in/d6aPMdnM

Register for the Reverse the Red Session on the WAZA Declaration and #ReverseTheRedDay!   The session will provide insights on how our global community can actively engage with Reverse the Red Day and the next steps following the WAZA Commitment to Biodiversity Conservation Declaration.   We will discuss how institutions can leverage their influence through species pledges and highlight activities from staff and visitor events to conservation projects, that demonstrate the positive impact of zoos and aquariums on biodiversity.  🗓️ Thursday, 12 December at 12pm CET (UTC+1): https://lnkd.in/ds-x--fg

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced the launch of its 50th Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) species programme, SAFE Gibbon! Established in 2015, the SAFE programme is a framework designed to enhance conservation efforts within the AZA community and to create a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation. With the initial goal of reaching 50 species programmes by 2028, this milestone was reached more than three years ahead of schedule. The SAFE Gibbon programme aims to mitigate the threats to gibbon habitats and populations, focusing on combating the illegal wildlife trade and supporting the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of gibbons back into their native habitat. The programme will gather data on the current state of wildlife populations to inform conservation. Educational efforts at AZA institutions and local communities will raise awareness about the role of gibbons in their ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation. Akron Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Zoo Knoxville, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are also supporting the SAFE Gibbon programme.

🔔 Register for the Reverse the Red Session on the WAZA Declaration and #ReverseTheRedDay!  The session will provide insights on how our global community can actively engage with Reverse the Red Day and the next steps following the WAZA Commitment to Biodiversity Conservation Declaration.  We will discuss how institutions can leverage their influence through species pledges and highlight activities from staff and visitor events to conservation projects, that demonstrate the positive impact of zoos and aquariums on biodiversity.  The session will be repeated to accommodate different time zones: 🗓️ Tuesday, 10 December at 10pm CET (UTC+1): https://lnkd.in/d9a-8-Jk 🗓️ Thursday, 12 December at 12pm CET (UTC+1): https://lnkd.in/dj_UiF_G

It’s #InternationalCheetahDay!  Native to Africa and parts of Asia, cheetahs are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa and Iran, and have a declining population, with less than 7,000 individuals left in the wild. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and faces major threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, loss of prey due to hunting and illegal wildlife trade.  Since 2011, the Cheetah Conservation Fund has been caring for cheetahs intercepted from traffickers and is working with governments and international organisations to address the root cause of the illegal pet trade.   📰 Read more about the crucial work of zoos in this as they provide expertise, funding, medicine, advocacy and veterinary care. https://lnkd.in/dDE244eV 📸 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort joined WAZA as an Institution Member this year!  Emirates Park Zoo and Resort, located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, consists of a Zoo, a resort, an arcade area, restaurants, a pet hospital, and a pet hotel.   With 220 different species, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and fishes, the zoo has a strong focus on conservation, education, research and edutainment.  🎦 Learn more

Seattle Aquarium opened their Ocean Pavilion earlier this year, showcasing species and ecosystems from the Coral Triangle! The pavilion allows visitors to explore marine life through immersive exhibits and interactive experiences.  Conservation is at the heart of the aquarium’s mission, with initiatives that include species recovery, habitat restoration, and research to tackle pressing environmental challenges. By working with communities, inspiring connection to nature, and collaborating with global partners, the Seattle Aquarium is contributing to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity.  The aquarium also focuses on fostering public engagement and advocating for policies to reduce plastic pollution, mitigate climate change, and support sustainable marine practices.  🔎 Find out more  https://lnkd.in/dSpGJ4wu

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium joined WAZA as an Institution Member this year!  Welcoming over 2 million guests every year, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 10,000 animals representing over 600 species. For more than 95 years, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has evolved to become a cornerstone of the community and a destination inspiring the appreciation and conservation of many of the earth’s most amazing animals.  As part of their conservation strategy, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium focuses on worldwide threatened species recovery, habitat restoration, and human-wildlife coexistence.  Discover more about Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s work ⬇️

It’s #InternationalJaguarDay! In the last 100 years, the world's jaguar population has decreased by 50%. Native to South and Central America, jaguars are threatened by illegal mining and deforestation, as well as by hunting and the fragmentation of their habitat, leading to the decline of their prey. Jaguars play a crucial role in regulating the populations of other species, contributing to a healthy ecosystem. Zoos also play a vital role in protecting this species in several ways. For instance, Houston Zoo has been providing support and training for Brazilian conservation partner, Projecto Ariranhas. This partner trains local guides in the Porto Jofre Region of Brazil to lead jaguar-safe tours so that local people and wildlife in the region can safely and successfully benefit from ecotourism. Find out more  👉https://lnkd.in/dWizg2Y8

Wingham Wildlife Park joined WAZA as an Institution Member this year!  For the past 15 years, Wingham Wildlife Park has been working to bring people closer to wildlife by educating visitors on a wide range of topics and ensuring that their animals are happy and healthy by furthering their animal welfare goals and achievements.  Wingham Wildlife Park participates in and runs animal breeding programmes and is expanding its conservation reach beyond its borders with in situ projects.    Learn more ⬇️