Paula Cerdán
Head of Conservation and Animal Welfare
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Paula Cerdán is head of conservation and animal welfare at the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). In this role, she collaborates with a worldwide network of prominent zoos, aquariums, and similar organisations to enhance their collective influence on biodiversity and animal welfare.
She also oversees and coordinates the efforts of key WAZA committees, including Conservation & Environmental Sustainability (CESC), Ethics and Animal Welfare (EAWC), and Population Management (CPM). This role helps shape strategic goals and frameworks that foster shared understanding and steer the development of the global zoo & aquarium community.
In her previous role as WAZA’s animal welfare and conservation coordinator, she played a key role in developing the WAZA 2023 Animal Welfare Goal. Moreover, Cerdán has contributed to the WAZA 2027 Population Management Goal and is now guiding the upcoming WAZA 2030 Conservation Goal.
Her focus is on developing tools, resources, policies, and spaces that integrate zoos and aquariums into wider global conservation frameworks, enabling them to think critically, act strategically, and collaborate effectively to fulfil their roles as conservation organisations and promote positive outcomes for animals and biodiversity conservation worldwide.
