The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), which represents zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and sanctuaries across Australasia, welcomed a record number of attendees to its 2026 annual conference.
More than 250 wildlife professionals, researchers, conservationists, educators and advocates came together both in person and online for the event in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Held under the theme Foundations First: Strengthening What Matters Most, the conference explored the fundamental elements that underpin a strong and resilient wildlife sector, from animal welfare and conservation to leadership, Indigenous engagement, sustainability and connection with nature.
The record attendance included delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, the US, and beyond, reflecting the growing importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing across the international wildlife community.
The conference in Auckland welcomed more than 250 professionals from across the sectorImage courtesy of ZAA
The conference opened with a karakia, waiata and kōrero from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, providing an important opportunity to recognise the significance of Indigenous knowledge, connection to place and meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities.
ZAA President and Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley then reflected on the conference theme and the importance of strengthening the sector's foundations to support positive outcomes for both wildlife and people.
Connecting people with wildlife and nature
Two keynote speakers provided different perspectives on the importance of connection and purposeful engagement.
Alex Rogers, director for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland at the Department of Conservation (DOC), explored why connecting people with nature is essential to advancing conservation.
Drawing on his own experiences and hopes for future generations, Rogers challenged delegates to consider the many ways people experience and connect with the natural world.
Kylie Ruwhiu-Karawana, an innovative tourism leader recognised for her expertise in Indigenous stewardship and purposeful engagement, explored the importance of meaningful Indigenous collaboration.
Her presentation highlighted the value of cultural knowledge, genuine relationships and partnership in creating better outcomes for both people and wildlife.
The 2026 ZAA conference programme included presentations from Alex Rogers and Kylie Ruwhiu-Karawana, among othersImage courtesy of ZAA
The keynote sessions were supported by a broad programme of plenaries and workshops covering issues including animal welfare, conservation, sustainability, leadership, advocacy, crisis communications, Indigenous engagement and conservation engagement.
Among the conference highlights were Fletcher Beazley's presentation on Mauri Aotea and staying connected, Ben Buchanan's exploration of quiet leadership and the importance of diversity within teams, and Bonnie Doege's work on welfare monitoring through behavioural observations.
Claudine Gibson also shared Auckland Zoo's work to phase out single-use coffee cups, demonstrating how sustainability initiatives can deliver measurable benefits while engaging visitors and supporting organisational outcomes.
Foundations built through collaboration
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of connection.
From relationships between people and wildlife to collaboration between organisations, Indigenous engagement, peer-to-peer learning and connecting communities with nature, delegates explored how strong relationships can provide the foundation for meaningful conservation and animal welfare outcomes.
The programme also provided opportunities for delegates to share research and emerging ideas, with poster presentations covering topics such as kiwi incubation, conservation education, and habitat design focused on animal welfare.
Nicola Craddock, ZAA’s executive director, says: “With a record attendance at this year’s conference, we are reminded of the strength of member connection and collaboration.
"With current challenges, this togetherness reinforces that we are greater than the sum of our parts when working, learning and progressing together. It was an excellent week, made so by the many people who attended, contributed and connected.”
Exhibitors included Fresh By Design, Opus Hub, Untamed Solutions, Phoenix Mesh, Pladia, Syntech Aquatics and Wild RepublicImage courtesy of ZAA
Recognising sector leaders
The conference dinner at Auckland Zoo also provided an opportunity to recognise significant contributions to the wildlife sector.
Karen Fifield MNZM, who has led Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo since 2006, received the Meritorious Award in recognition of her transformative contribution to sector leadership, animal welfare, sustainability and conservation.
Fifield has held influential leadership roles at both regional and international levels, including serving on the ZAA Board for 14 years and as ZAA President from 2011 to 2015.
The evening also celebrated the third cohort of ZAA's Executive Leadership Development Program, recognising emerging leaders from organisations across the region who completed 15 months of the training.
Looking ahead to Sydney
The 2026 conference concluded with an excursion exploring Auckland's wildlife community, including visits to Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's and Butterfly Creek, bringing together a week of professional learning, conservation, animal welfare and connection.
ZAA thanks its presenters, workshop facilitators, sponsors, exhibitors, hosts, and delegates for contributing to the event's success, including:
- Gold sponsors: Advanced Aquarium Technologies
- Major sponsors: Auckland Convention Bureau, Billings Production, NZ Tourism, Air New Zealand, OCTA Project Management
- Bronze sponsors: Jetpets, Maptivate, Oceanis International, Quantal Bioscience
- Exhibitors: Fresh By Design, Opus Hub, Untamed Solutions, Phoenix Mesh, Pladia, Syntech Aquatics and Wild Republic
- Media partner: blooloop
Last summer, the 2025 ZAA Conference in Darwin, Northern Territory, was presented on the theme Towards 2050. This explored the future of the sector’s social license to operate, Indigenous engagement, animal ethics, sustainability, welfare, and conservation.
