Cécile Erny

Cécile Erny has been a leading force in the development of the French zoo and aquarium sector for more than 15 years. As director of the French Association of Zoos (AFdPZ) since 2009, she has worked to unite and strengthen the zoological community, advancing its contribution to conservation, education, research and animal welfare.

Erny plays an active role in shaping conservation policy, representing AFdPZ at CITES and Convention on Biological Diversity conferences and contributing to national regulatory discussions. Her leadership has been particularly influential in tackling wildlife trafficking.

In 2025, she led the creation of France’s Assistance Service for Seized Wild Animals (SAASS), a pioneering national coordination hub that helps arrange appropriate placements for seized or confiscated wildlife. She is also contributing expertise to international efforts to improve the management of confiscated animals.

A passionate advocate for education, Erny has helped develop a seven-volume comic-book series with Bamboo Édition, supported by educational resources, to raise awareness of wildlife conservation and biodiversity loss.

Her commitment extends across the international conservation community. She serves as vice-president of the French Committee of the IUCN and contributes to several organisations, including WAZA, Species360 and Beauval Nature.

In July 2026, Erny was appointed a Knight of France’s National Order of Merit in recognition of her longstanding dedication to wildlife. Through collaborative leadership and policy expertise, she continues to strengthen the role of zoos and aquariums in global conservation.