ZAA-accredited zoos to collaborate on conservation and animal welfare

Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) accredited zoos the National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra, Wellington Zoo and Wildlife Reserves Singapore have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreeing to promote education and share knowledge in a sister-zoo partnership.

ZAA cite the partnership as “a great example of collaboration” from the three capital city zoos, who will work together with a focus on conservation, environmental security and animal welfare.

The Zoos have agreed to eight key activities including cooperating to deliver staff training, offering staff exchanges, sharing information such as animal care manuals, conservation and sustainability processes, partnering in conservation projects of mutual interest and conducting joint workshops or roadshows to promote animal welfare.

Announcing the MOU, ZAA Executive Director, Nicola Craddock advised “we are delighted with the partnership established by these three capital city member zoos.

“It’s great to see National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra and Wellington Zoo, two of our member zoos in Australasia, establishing a connection with Wildlife Reserves Singapore, our first international member zoo.

“The work they’re doing together for continuous improvement across their sites and staff embodies the collaborative essence of ZAA and our vision to work together to save wildlife.”

As an association, ZAA brings its members together, facilitating shared knowledge and continuous improvement in conservation, welfare, biosecurity, science, research, social and community programs.

This partnership is the second of the kind in the Australasian region, with Zoos Victoria in Australia and Port Moresby Nature Park in Papua New Guinea also working together to foster continuous learning and knowledge-sharing.