By Helen Church and Simran Maurya, ZAA
The 2025 ZAA Conference: Towards 2050 wrapped up after four inspiring days in Darwin, Northern Territory (29 July – 1 August). Each year, the ZAA Conference brings together a passionate community of wildlife professionals, researchers and advocates from across the Australasian region to share knowledge, spark ideas and forge new collaborations.
This year’s conference welcomed over 130 in-person attendees representing 68 organisations, including members, non-members, sponsors and exhibitors. Delegates travelled from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the USA, Indonesia, the UK and India. More than 40 delegates joined virtually.
The theme, Towards 2050, inspired innovating, thought-provoking presentations and forward-thinking approaches to wildlife conservation, animal welfare and community engagement.
Tuesday 29 July: icebreaker at the Territory Wildlife Park
The ZAA conference 2025 began with a spectacular icebreaker event at the Territory Wildlife Park, sponsored by Octa Project Management.
The park team warmly welcomed delegates. Guests then headed to the amphitheatre for a bird show featuring native birds, such as black-necked storks, black-breasted buzzards, and brahminy kites, in flight. This close encounter showcased the agility and intelligence of these remarkable species. It also highlighted the park’s vital conservation and education work.
After the show, attendees could go on a behind-the-scenes tour, ride on the park’s newly launched electric train or explore lush aviaries, billabongs, the nocturnal house and the aquarium. The evening ended with food and drinks. Delegates also viewed works from Indigenous artist Lynette Fejo. The event set the perfect tone for the days of learning and collaboration ahead.
See also: For wildlife & people: inside the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia
Wednesday, 30 July & Thursday, 31 July: main conference at Darwin Convention Centre
ZAA president and director of Auckland Zoo, Kevin Buley, opened the first day of the ZAA conference 2025. He gave a warm welcome and some reflections on the conference theme, Towards 2055. He also explored the collective role of the zoo and aquarium community in shaping a sustainable future.
Over the two days at the Darwin Convention Centre, the ZAA Conference delivered a compelling program of keynotes, plenaries, panel discussions and workshops. The charismatic MC Peter Lancaster guided both days. He kept the conversations flowing and energy high throughout both packed days of content.
Keynotes
The conference opened with an Acknowledgement of Country and a powerful keynote from Nicole Brown, a proud Larrakia woman and national leader in Indigenous engagement. Her talk helped us all to understand the deep and enduring connection her people have to the lands we met on and painted a picture of the future she envisioned for her people and Indigenous communities across the region.
Ora Barlow-Tukaki of Te Whānau‑ā‑Apanui, a respected Māori conservation leader, delivered the second keynote. Ora asked us to look to the past to better understand our future. The talk delved into the dark history of zoos’ relationships with Indigenous peoples before inspiring the audience to build meaningful connections for a brighter future for all people.
Their talks offered perspectives on Indigenous leadership, stewardship and the integration of cultural heritage into conservation practices.
ZAA’s very own executive director, Nicola Craddock, gave the keynote on day two. Her presentation focused on critical community perceptions, evolving visitor expectations and statistical data to support future planning for the zoo and aquarium sector.
Plenaries
A series of plenaries from sector experts followed the keynotes on both days at the ZAA conference 2025. These sparked conversations on themes such as animal welfare, social licence to operate, environmental sustainability, and the role of zoos and aquariums in conservation. The sessions provided an inclusive space for delegates to exchange experiences and share forward-thinking ideas.
Among many highlights were Zoos Victoria’s Bianca Papadopoulos showing us the importance of providing animals with purpose through enrichment despite budget and staffing constraints, and Richard Gibson from Auckland Zoo exploring the challenge of championing native lizards through precipitous species declines.
Tegan Gargett from Rockhampton Zoo showcased some of the incredible ways small zoos can form partnerships for meaningful community conservation programs, and Mark Pilgrim from Zoos Victoria took us on a journey building an Asian elephant habitat to provide for a growing herd, with the elation of seeing elephants “striding with purpose” in their new home.
Workshops and panels
On both days of the conference, attendees had the option to choose between hands-on workshops and more structured panel sessions.
The workshop offered a range of topics, including designing your own ethical animal welfare policies, shaping the association’s upcoming strategy, selecting the right conservation campaigns for your organisation, and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into wildlife stewardship and public education.
The panel sessions delved into navigating your organisation’s carbon journey, advancing marine sustainability efforts, building partnerships with conservation organisations, and exploring how ZAA members can contribute to global conservation through the IUCN.
ZAA extends a big thank you to all the presenters and workshop facilitators who shared their work, knowledge and experience. This started meaningful discussions and collaboration prospects at this year’s ZAA Conference.
ZAA Awards at conference 2025: celebrating excellence at Wharf One, Darwin Waterfront
The ZAA Awards Dinner was hosted at the picturesque Wharf One, with picturesque views out to Darwin Waterfront Lagoon.
Australasia is home to some of the most exceptional people and organisations in the zoo and aquarium community. ZAA hosts an awards event every two years to celebrate the incredible organisations, initiatives and people driving the sector forward. This year, the awards were presented by Nicola Craddock and Kevin Buley.
From trailblazing conservation initiatives to exemplary animal care programs, each award showcased the dedication and creativity driving the sector forward.
Engagement Award
Zoos Victoria was the winner of the ZAA Engagement Award for their Coffee for Wildlife program.
Coffee for Wildlife is a program that helps visitors make a difference for rainforest species and coffee-growing communities by offering bespoke, sustainable, shade-grown coffee products sold at zoo cafes and gift shops. The program works with farmers in Papua New Guinea, Sumatra and Ethiopia. All beans are roasted by Genovese Coffee in Melbourne.
The program is already a success. It supports thousands of farmers in sustainably producing coffee while protecting forests and the species that call them home. Visitors can learn about the benefits of wildlife-friendly coffee. They can also see the real-world impacts of their choices through the zoo’s social media, website, keeper talks and on-site interpretive signage.
Coffee for Wildlife was recognised for its integration across the entire zoo, well-planned program design, innovative learning opportunities, measurable success markers and strong involvement with local communities. Learn more here.
Exhibit Award (small-scale investment)
ZAA awarded Symbio Wildlife Park with the 2025 Exhibit Award (small-scale investment category) for their Penguin Shores Habitat.
This exhibit was carefully planned. “Think like a penguin” was the design mantra, making sure the new exhibit provided dynamic, stimulating environments for the penguins’ enrichment, health and fitness. The entire team at Symbio was involved, with a focus on utilising recyclable or energy-efficient materials.
The new habitat also created better guest experiences. There are accessible underwater viewing spaces and areas for guests to learn about “Take Three for the Sea” to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans.
Penguin Shores scored highly in providing significant improvements to animal welfare, work practices and visitor experiences, as well as being a cost-effective and sustainable project. Learn more here.
Exhibit Award (large-scale investment)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo was our winner for the 2025 Exhibit Award (large-scale investment category) with Platypus Rescue HQ.
This is the largest purpose-built platypus conservation centre in the world, combining a research centre, rescue and rehabilitation facilities and a pre-release area to prepare platypus to return to the wild. The facility can house up to 65 rescued animals in an emergency.
With this exhibit, guests can see conservation in action with this cryptic species. They can also see the deep connection First Nations communities have with platypus.
The centre is designed for platypus to live like they would in the wild. There is a range of pool depths, waterfalls and earth burrows for each animal to choose from. Platypus can exhibit their natural behaviours, which can also be monitored for research, welfare and conservation purposes.
Taronga’s research in this facility will help to fill knowledge gaps around platypus breeding, biology and genetics. It also informs plans to support emergency rescue interventions. Read more here.
Conservation Award
Taronga Western Plains Zoo was also the winner of the ZAA Conservation Award. This was due to its project to restore wild populations of chuditch (western quolls) in NSW.
Once found across 70% of mainland Australia, the chuditch now inhabits just 5% of its former range. The species was locally extinct in NSW before Taronga established a breed-and-release program to rewild populations in Sturt National Park, with support from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and UNSW Sydney.
The program is exceptionally well-designed. It includes strong engagement with local Indigenous groups, teams working closely with release sites, and strong feedback and documentation to make sure released animals are thriving and contributing to the resident population. Read more here.
Employee of the Year Award
Employee of the Year was awarded to conservation manager Francis Otto Gundu from Port Moresby Nature Park, Papua New Guinea.
Francis has been with Port Moresby Nature Park since 2019. He began as a horticulture intern and progressed to conservation manager after roles working with birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Additionally, he worked in the food preparation area. Here, he prepared meals for all the animals in the collection for daily feed and bred live food colonies such as invertebrates for animals that feed on them.
Francis is recognised for his commitment to the park and conservation of endemic species. A highlight is his leadership in managing Port Moresby Nature Park as an IUCN-SSC Centre for Species Survival to advance conservation initiatives in Papua New Guinea.
As a leader within the park, Francis is a champion for team development and equality. He also has a strong focus on youth programs.
Port Moresby Nature Park has an established ‘sister zoo’ arrangement with Zoos Victoria, with Francis dedicated to leveraging this partnership for increased collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity building. One outcome of this partnership is the Rokrok Rescue! Program, a frog conservation initiative which has achieved world-first captive breeding successes for three endemic species.
Meritorious Awards
Elaine Bensted
Elaine Bensted’s contributions to the sector were recognised by a Meritorious Award during ZAA conference 2025.
She played a vital leadership role in the sector as chief executive of Zoos South Australia and board president of ZAA. She also had additional roles on ZAA’s Finance, Audit and Risk, and Wildlife Conservation Committees.
As the president of the ZAA Board, Elaine has contributed greatly to the Association by strengthening the representation of ZAA members, improving the standing of the zoo and aquarium sector and building valuable relationships with governments, associations and organisations.
At the international level, she has also been instrumental in WAZA Business, including the Council and several WAZA Committees.
Elaine provided invaluable support for the membership through the COVID period and led important rescue and recovery work during the Black Summer bushfires. She also led Zoos South Australia’s significant contribution to the ZAA regional elephant program. This resulted in the establishment of a new matriarchal herd in South Australia.
Elaine has now retired from the ZAA board. She will part having left a legacy on the sector and the association.
Lou Grossfeldt
Lou Grossfeldt won a Meritorious Award for her contribution to the zoo sector. She has worked in the sector for over 30 years, building a career that has combined expert animal care, strong regional leadership, and genuine global conservation impact.
She is one of Australasia’s most experienced and respected primate specialists, with significant roles at Taronga Zoo, Mogo Wildlife Park, and now Sydney Zoo.
Lou has held long-standing leadership positions within the ZAA network, including as a TAG Convenor, studbook keeper, and various species coordinator roles under the ZAA Species Management Program.
She has helped shape best practice for primate care. She has also contributed directly to improved population health and welfare across multiple species. Importantly, she has also made space for others, mentoring new keepers, sharing her knowledge through formal training and informal support, and investing in long-term partnerships that benefit the region.
Her voluntary contributions outside the workplace, particularly her decades of service to Borneo Orangutan Survival Australia, show the depth of her commitment to conservation.
ZAA is honoured to celebrate the incredible winners of the 2025 awards. It also looks forward to continuing to champion members of the Australasian community.
Friday 1 August: Litchfield Trip
The final day of the ZAA conference 2025 invited delegates to immerse themselves in the heart of the Northern Territory with a full-day excursion to Litchfield National Park. Participants travelled to either Wangi Falls or Florence Falls. Here, they were met with breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear swimming holes and native wildlife.
Along the way, guides shared insights into the impact of highly invasive gamba grass and the restoration efforts aimed at protecting the landscape.
Towering termite mounds, some reaching up to 12 feet high, offered a fascinating glimpse into the evolutionary ingenuity of local species. The day concluded with relaxed hikes through lush trails and refreshing swims beneath the falls. It was a perfect, rejuvenating close to a week of connection and collaboration.
ZAA extends heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors and exhibitors, whose support made the 2025 conference possible:
- Advanced Aquarium Technologies – Gold Sponsor
- Octa Project Management – Silver Sponsor
- Centre for Crocodile Research – Major Sponsor
- Jetpets and Animal Centric– Bronze Sponsors
- Maptivate, The Energy Alliance and Wild Republic– Exhibitors
Helen Church is the communications manager at ZAA. Her work focuses on the development and execution of the ZAA Communications strategy. This includes member communications and engagement, events, and brand equity building. She also holds roles as staff liaison on the Conservation Engagement Committee, Communications Specialist Advisory Group & Engagement Specialist Advisory Group.
Church is dedicated to improving animal welfare and threatened species conservation across the region by supporting members, helping to deliver better outcomes for animals, people and organisations.
Simran Maurya is the engagement coordinator at ZAA. As part of the communications team, she supports members through social media, newsletter outreach and delivering initiatives like the Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife campaign, while fostering collaboration and shared learning through events
and tailored resources.
