The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), which represents zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and sanctuaries across Australasia, has shared its achievements, highlights and meaningful partnerships from 2024, as it looks forward to working with its members to continue making a difference in 2025 and beyond.
“We’re immensely grateful to our members, partners, and supporters who made this success possible,” says a spokesperson from ZAA.
2024 highlights
In 2024, ZAA achieved significant advocacy goals, securing major funding to support critical conservation projects.
These initiatives include:
- Avian Influenza Preparedness. ZAA received a portion of a $28 million Australian federal grant. The funding aims to support preparations for High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza at zoos and aquariums with priority threatened species, and will safeguard threatened bird and mammal species under the care of ZAA members.
- Saving Native Species Recovery Coordination. A $747,000 Federal Australian grant was awarded to ZAA to support Recovery Teams tasked with preserving native species. The funding will increase the Association’s ability to protect endangered species such as the Greater Bilby, Pookila, Smoky Mouse, Orange-bellied Parrot, Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby, and threatened frogs like the Spotted Tree Frog and Growling Grass Frog.
Collaboration was a vital component of many of ZAA’s achievements in 2024. Building solid partnerships with governments, industry, non-profits, and stakeholders was a key focus of the Association.
This approach helped ZAA accomplish major milestones, such as:
- Conference highlights. During ZAA’s annual conference, Tanya Plibersek, Australian federal environment minister, announced funds for species recovery and emphasised the key importance of zoos and aquariums in biodiversity protection.
- Global and local advocacy. ZAA actively participated in many events, including the Australian Federal Tourism Minister’s Visitor Economy Roundtable and the Australian Nature Positive Summit. These activities provide opportunities to represent the zoo and aquarium community in areas such as conservation, biosecurity, and tourism.
- New Zealand partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding with Aotearoa New Zealand’s Department of Conservation represents an important step towards coordinated conservation efforts.
Throughout 2024, ZAA continued to set the standard for animal care and species management through best-practice programmes. It expanded its Accreditation Program, which focuses on animal welfare and has been expanded to raise standards for animal welfare practices in its membership. In addition, ZAA managed 97 Species Management Programs for both native and exotic species and contributed to more than 30 threatened species Recovery Programs, resulting in significant progress towards saving the region’s most at-risk wildlife.
The ZAA has also represented its members at international conventions such as CITES and the Convention on Biological Diversity, highlighting the Australasian region’s contribution to global conservation. Furthermore, over 180 delegates attended the ZAA Annual Conference in Sydney, bringing together members, researchers, and industry experts to share knowledge, create partnerships, and discuss sector-wide concerns.
In 2024, ZAA demonstrated the power of collaboration, and what can be achieved when passionate individuals and organisations work together towards a common goal. The Association and its members are positioned to continue to make an impact in 2025 and beyond.
“Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for wildlife, people and the planet,” concludes ZAA.
ZAA executive director Nicola Craddock recently spoke to blooloop about the Association‘s mission, strategic programmes, and significant impact on both its members and the wider conservation landscape.
