Zoo and Aquarium Association

15/06/2026

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.

15/06/2026

Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈

Over the weekend, Zoos Victoria's Werribee Open Range Zoo, in partnership Rainbow Families, proudly celebrated Pride Month with a Rainbow Families Day.

Around 200 people registered for the event, with rainbow families filling the zoo with colour, connection, and community spirit.

Events like this reflect the important role zoos and aquariums play in creating welcoming spaces for all families, where diversity is recognised, respected, and celebrated. From shared experiences in nature to meaningful community connections, these initiatives help foster inclusion and belonging across our communities.

Happy Pride Month from the zoo and aquarium community.

12/06/2026

Have you seen our conference program?

The Annual ZAA Conference is fast approaching and our program is now live!

We are thrilled to share a line up of inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking panels, and practical workshops designed to bring together leaders, practitioners, and innovators across the industry.

This year’s program covers conservation, leadership, animal welfare
Indigenous engagement and so much more.

We can't wait to see you in Auckland on the 4th of August!

🔗https://zooaquarium.org.au/Conference/Conference-Program.aspx

04/06/2026

Welcome to our newest member WA Wildlife

We’re excited to welcome WA Wildlife, Australia’s busiest rescue-to-release wildlife organisation and home to one of the country’s most active native animal veterinary hospitals. 🐨🦘

Based in Perth, Western Australia, WA Wildlife provides end-to-end care for animals, overseeing every stage from rescue through to release.

Their work spans veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, emergency response, education, eco-tourism, and research - all dedicated to protecting wildlife and preserving tomorrow.

Please join us in celebrating WA Wildlife on their ZAA accreditation milestone!🎉

03/06/2026

Since 2005, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary has been on a journey of collaboration with their local Indigenous community. What began as a relationship of necessity has evolved into a flourishing partnership that now shapes much of how operations are run at their site on the Central Coast of NSW.

In our latest Member Spotlight, we speak with Tassin Barnard, Owner-Director of Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary, about this journey and what authentic collaboration looks like in practice.
Read more:
https://www.zooaquarium.org.au/public/News/Articles/Member-Spotlight--Walkabout-Wildlife-Sanctuary---From-Combined-Need-to-Authentic-Collaboration-.aspx

📸Photo by Phil Holloway

28/05/2026

As a peak body, we represent the collective voice of the zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries and wildlife parks across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Our vision? Positive outcomes for wildlife and people.

Here’s a look at the work and the impact behind our collective voice.

22/05/2026

Across the world, communities are already acting for nature.
Today, let’s recognize these efforts and commit to doing our part.
Together, we can halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

The Critically Endangered Orange-bellied Parrot declined to a low of 16 birds in the wild in 2017. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park has been breeding birds for the recovery program since 2016, breeding 442 birds to date of which 192 have been released to the wild.
Read More: https://www.zooaquarium.org.au/public/News/Articles/International-Day-for-Biological-Diversity.aspx

United Nations Biodiversity

21/05/2026

It’s 🎉
Across the ZAA community, conservation action is happening every day, and it’s making a real difference for species and ecosystems around the world.
From breeding and recovery programs to habitat restoration and field research, ZAA members are helping turn local action into global impact for nature.
We’re sharing a series of stories today that highlight just some of this incredible work.
👉 Read more: https://www.zooaquarium.org.au/public/News/Articles/International-Day-for-Biological-Diversity.aspx

United Nations Biodiversity

The 22nd of May is the International Day of Biological Diversity, a global reminder of the importance of protecting the variety of life on Earth.

19/05/2026

Thanks to Montana Group for sponsoring this year’s conference!

Montana Group is a trusted provider in end-to-end hospitality across Aotearoa New Zealand, providing premier catering solutions for iconic venues, campuses, public spaces, and major events. Their expertise spans every scale, from corporate events to daily residential dining, combining quality, efficiency, and innovation in all they do.

They have been the trusted food and beverage partner at Auckland Zoo since 2018, where they operate six high-volume retail outlets, alongside delivering tailored catering for a wide range of events.
With a commitment to quality and outstanding service, we highly recommend Montana Group for reliable, professional catering and event delivery.
To learn more visit their website: https://www.montanagroup.co.nz/

15/05/2026

We are excited to announce our first conference key note speaker! 🎉

Alex Rogers is the Regional Director for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland at the Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai. Responsible for all of DOC’s operations across Auckland, and the Strategic Partnership with Auckland Zoo, Alex’s role has him spending as much time on islands, boats and in the bush, as in the city office DOC shares with Auckland Council.

Alex will be presenting why we must connect people and nature to advance conservation. New Zealand remains one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and a source of global conservation optimism. Yet there is a growing disconnect.

It’s a systemic gap: we are not responding at the scale required for today’s biodiversity, biosecurity, and climate challenges. Reconnecting people with nature is no longer optional — it is central to closing that gap.

We can’t wait for you to join him at the conference and hear his perspective that we know will inspire and challenge our community.