Wellington Zoo to host conservation symposium

Wellington Zoo and 12 conservation partners from around the globe will be hosting a series of events in April, showcasing the conservation work our organisations do in partnership and empowering others to take positive steps for global change.

Representatives from 21st Century Tiger, Golden Lion Tamarin Association (AMLD), Cheetah Outreach, Fauna & Flora International Vietnam Programme, Free the Bears Asia, Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group, Proyecto Titi, Red Panda Network, TRAFFIC, Kea Conservation Trust, Save the Tasmanian Devil Programme and Jane Goodall Institute will be speaking at Wild Ideas – Big Ideas for Global Change, a symposium being held on 5th and 6th April at the Paramount Theatre in Wellington.

Wellington Zoo’s conservation partners will be speaking about the opportunities, challenges and successes of their work on the ground in places as diverse as Brazil, Madagascar and Nepal.

Conservation Manager Daniela Biaggio (pictured belwo) explains “we’re thrilled to bring Wellington Zoo’s global conservation partners together for the first time, as they join us for a week of events being held in Wellington and at the Zoo.

“Wild Ideas is an opportunity for us to share our Zoo’s efforts to save animals in the wild and inspire Wellingtonians with forward-thinking ideas to make positive steps for global change.”

In addition to the symposium, there will be a visitor day on Saturday 8th April, where conservation partners will take over Wellington Zoo for the day.

Amy Hughes, the Zoo’s General Manager Community Engagement, adds “we hope visitors enjoy meeting our conservation partners during this very extraordinary day, where they will be able to pre-book Close Encounters and hear a personalised talk from our partners who work closely with the animals we seek to save in the wild..

“Visitors will also be able to join in conservation themed activities and head along to our daily talks at the Zoo in conjunction with our partners, where they will learn more about how we are helping to protect animals in the wild.”

“As part of our partnership with these global conservation initiatives, we give Zoo staff the chance to work with our partners in the field, to learn more about the initiatives within these organisations, while also offering our skills in return.

“This is made possible through donations into The Wellington Zoo Conservation Fund, which allows our staff to continue to contribute to wildlife conservation and inspire others about how we can all help.”

A portion of Wellington Zoo Close Encounter sales and Zoo Crew membership sales go toward The Wellington Zoo Conservation Fund, which helps us support local and global conservation programmes.

Hughes concludes “we are very excited to be able to bring our conservation partners to Wellington and share their stories with our staff and visitors at the Zoo, as well as the wider community.” 

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