Twin zoos and aquariums conferences to be held in Sydney

Sydney is set to host two major animal conservation conferences in the next three months with both the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) of Australasia and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) staging their respective annual gatherings in the city.

Being held from Monday 5th to Friday 9th August at the Sydney Masonic Centre in the heart of the city, the ZAA conference theme is 'leading the way for wildlife and people', with the event to look to the future of the sector, with a strong focus on the social license of zoos and aquaria to operate, animal ethics and welfare and conservation.

The conference aims to provide both a virtual and in-person platform for speakers to share their knowledge and experience while also featuring events and opportunities will be provided to showcase some of Sydney's ZAA member sites throughout the week.

Following the ZAA conference, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the global alliance of regional associations, national federations and institutions, will host its 79th Annual Conference from 3rd to 7th November at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.

Aiming to promote efforts to protect the natural world, WAZA’s 2024 conference will bring together industry professionals from the zoo, aquarium and conservation communities and will feature discussions on sustainable palm oil, plastic pollution, the illegal wildlife trade and species conservation.

WAZA’s Annual Conference provides attendees with the opportunity to discuss key issues with like-minded professionals from institutions around the world. Delegates can look forward to a comprehensive conference programme, as well as plenty of opportunities to network, collaborate, and share knowledge.

WAZA’s 2023 Strategy
In June last year WAZA unveiled a new strategic plan and vision.

With the association having a long history of promoting the best practices in animal welfare and conservation in collaboration with the global community of zoos and aquariums, the new strategy set out a vision to better support its members.

Click here for more information on zoos and aquarium sector conferences in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Taronga Zoo, Sydney.