Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia

A huge thank you to Tātaki Auckland Unlimited for sponsoring this year’s ZAA Conference! Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is dedicated to enriching Auckland’s cultural life and vibrancy through inspiring experiences, activations, and events that celebrate and bring to life the unique identity and spirit of Auckland and its surrounds. They support and deliver some of the region’s most loved events, attractions, and destinations, including the Domes and Te Puna spaces at Auckland Zoo, which are key venues for this year’s programme. These spaces, along with many other unique Auckland venues, are available to book for business events via the link below: https://lnkd.in/gTtiTn7 Thank you again to Tātaki Auckland Unlimited for your generous support and for helping make the 2026 ZAA Conference possible.

The Amphibian Ark 2026 Grant Applications are now open! 🐸   AArk provides program grants for newly established amphibian ex situ conservation programs with funding available for up to 3 years, as well as workshop grants for either organizations planning an amphibian conservation workshop with a husbandry (or related) focus, or individuals wanting to attend a related workshop.   These grants help build expertise, encourage collaboration, and support the development of sustainable conservation programs that contribute to the long-term survival of amphibian species worldwide. Applications close 15 August 2026.   Find all the details and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gAh4J4jD

This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate the theme “Fifty Years of Deadly.” NAIDOC Week is an important time to acknowledge the histories, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to recognise the deep knowledge, connection and care for Country that has been maintained for thousands of generations. Across Australia’s zoos and aquariums, organisations are continuing to strengthen their engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, recognising the importance of First Nations voices, knowledge and perspectives in conservation, education and community connection. Meaningful Indigenous engagement is built through listening, respect and long-term relationships. It requires organisations to learn from First Nations knowledge holders, create space for cultural leadership, and recognise the value of different ways of understanding and caring for the natural world. By building stronger connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, the zoo and aquarium sector can continue to deepen its role in connecting people with wildlife, culture and Country. This NAIDOC Week, we celebrate and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their achievements, stories and enduring contributions to caring for Country. #NAIDOCWeek #FiftyYearsOfDeadly #IndigenousKnowledge #CaringForCountry #ZoosAndAquariums 📷 Sydney Zoo

Thanks to Octa Project Management for Sponsoring ZAA's annual Conference! Octa brings a unique combination of project management expertise and specialised zoo industry knowledge, delivering projects and facilities solutions across New Zealand and Australia. With a strong understanding of animal welfare considerations and zoo commercial operations, Octa’s experienced team supports organisations in delivering successful outcomes through tailored project management and consulting services. From enhancing existing facilities to managing complex projects, Octa is committed to helping clients achieve their goals with confidence and excellence. Learn more: https://octa.co.nz/

We’re proud to be continuing the ZAA Wild Futures Webinar series in 2026 🐾 Bringing together practitioners, specialists and conservation partners to explore the science, strategy and real world challenges shaping contemporary conservation. Our next session will feature Kanitha Krishnasamy from TRAFFIC, exploring the complex challenges of illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade across South East Asia, and the implications for species conservation, enforcement and regional biodiversity protection. Drawing on TRAFFIC’s extensive work in the region, Kanitha will share insights into how conservation organisations, including ZAA Members, can contribute to stronger regional responses and more effective conservation outcomes. We’re grateful to TRAFFIC for sharing their expertise and helping strengthen the collective knowledge, collaboration and impact of the zoo and aquarium conservation community. #Conservation #WildlifeProtection #Biodiversity #Sustainability #ZoosAndAquariums #WildlifeTrade

Marine Protected Areas Day is coming up on 1 August 🌊 This year’s theme, “Celebrating Local Actions for Global Impact,” highlights the importance of recognising and sharing the incredible ocean conservation work taking place across our global community. Across zoos, aquariums, and conservation organisations, local initiatives from education programs and citizen science through to community engagement and on-the-ground conservation action are contributing meaningfully to the protection of marine life and habitats worldwide. MPA Day is an opportunity to connect these efforts to a broader global movement, amplify impact, and showcase how local action drives real change for our oceans. Explore events happening around the world and register your organisation’s activity here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dGchS5n2

Thanks to Maptivate, a sponsor for this years ZAA Conference! Maptivate has already made a significant contribution across our community, delivering digital visitor‑experience solutions at all four Zoos Victoria sites, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Territory Wildlife Park, and Alice Springs Desert Park. Their work helps transform physical spaces into immersive, accessible, and conservation‑focused digital experiences — supporting the kind of deep visitor engagement that strengthens long‑term conservation outcomes. We look forward to welcoming the Maptivate team — and all our members — to Auckland this August for a conference focused on collaboration, learning, and the future of our sector. Learn more about Maptivate: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gHPyUyaf

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (also known as H5 bird flu) is affecting birds and mammals, both wild and domestic, across the world. On the 19th of June 2026, Australia had its first detection of H5N1bird flu on the coast of southern Western Australia. ZAA continues to remain closely engaged with the Federal Government Departments, HPAI response teams, as well as relevant state government agencies and wildlife health networks. If you see a single or group of sick or dead wildlife, you should: •     Avoid contact and keep your distance. •     Record the date, time, location and take photos. •     Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Australia has been working on preparedness for some time and has been able to respond quickly to this H5 bird flu incursion to help protect wildlife and communities. This strain is NOT currently in New Zealand but may enter through migratory and non-migratory wild bird movements. For detailed HPAI information, and more resources, visit the ZAA Website 👉 https://lnkd.in/ga5n9wTg

Today is International Day Against Illegal Wildlife Trafficking 🐾 And to mark the day, Latin American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums are launching their regional campaign to halt illegal wildlife trafficking in Latin America. Illegal wildlife trafficking is currently the world’s fourth most lucrative illegal industry. Beyond its devastating impact on biodiversity, it is deeply interconnected with transnational organised crime networks involved in drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, human trafficking, and money laundering. This campaign brings together science, education, and institutional collaboration to strengthen regional response capacity and transform awareness into collective action. The goal is to build a broad network of allies committed to protecting biodiversity and disrupting illegal wildlife trade. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ghM8S62q

Welcome to our gold sponsor for this year's annual conference - Advanced Aquarium Technologies🦈 With a legacy spanning more than 25 years in the industry, AAT has built, operated, refurbished, and upgraded world-class aquariums and major zoo exhibits across more than 20 countries. Their impressive portfolio includes landmark projects and numerous projects delivered for members of the Zoo and Aquarium Association. AAT is far more than an aquarium special works provider. Their fully integrated in-house capability spans concept development, exhibit design, technical support, construction, commissioning, and ongoing operations, ensuring seamless delivery of complex aquatic environments with precision, and long-term value. We are proud to have them join us as a Gold Sponsor and look forward to their contribution to the conference.