blooloop is pleased to announce the judges of the 2026 blooloop 50 Zoo & Aquarium Influencer List.
The List celebrates the individuals who are shaping the future of conservation.
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)Now in its fifth year, this year's Zoo & Aquarium Influencer List is launched in association with our good friends at WAZA, the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.
David Field, president, WAZA, says: "Behind every animal welfare initiative, every child inspired to care for nature, every scientific breakthrough and every conservation action, there are passionate people who choose, every single day, to make a difference.
"The blooloop 50 Zoo & Aquarium Influencer List celebrates the thinkers, doers, innovators and storytellers whose passion inspires change far beyond their own organisations.
"WAZA is proud to support this initiative because recognising these individuals strengthens a global community committed to protecting wildlife and inspiring others to act. And when our community grows stronger, nature has a better chance.
"Will you be in the next List?"
Ruth Read, director, blooloop, says: "From climate change and habitat loss to pollution and poaching, our planet's wildlife is facing unprecedented challenges.
"Now more than ever, zoos and aquariums serve as champions for conservation and sustainability. Through critical research and education, they protect endangered species and their habitats whilst also inspiring visitors to take action.
"The 2026 blooloop 50 Zoo & Aquarium Influencer List celebrates the individuals whose passion is transforming the future of conservation."
2026 judges
This year's judges are:
- Judy Mann-Lang, senior advisor, Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation
- Karen Fifield, immediate past president, WAZA
- Ruth Read, director, blooloop
- David Field, president, WAZA
- Kevin Mills, president and CEO, South Carolina Aquarium
- Isabel Li, head of education, Ocean Park Corporation
- Luis Soto Rendón, general director, Guadalajara Zoo
Our panel of industry experts will judge all submissions on merit, regardless of the nominee’s location, job title, or employer.
You can nominate multiple individuals, including yourself, but can only nominate each person once.
The judging panel will select the list of 50 individuals and The Power 10 from those with the most nominations.
Now is your chance to nominate your friends and colleagues in the sector who are making a difference.
