
Join us for The 2025 CAZA Annual Conference
CAZA at 50: A Canadian Voice for Global Animal Welfare and Conservation
Join us as we celebrate 50 years of excellence in animal welfare and conservation, embracing the theme of breaking down silos and working together to build connections globally. This special event will feature dynamic speakers, expert panelists, and an exhibitor showcase that will leave you inspired and ready to take action across the zoo and aquarium community.
The CAZA 50th Anniversary Conference promises an unforgettable experience as we advance together the next 50 years of animal welfare globally.

2025 CAZA Conference Overview
Early Bird registration is available until August 6 for the 2025 Annual Conference! Purchase your ticket here.
★★★★ 4-Star Hotels
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K6Distance from Vancouver Aquarium: Approx. 3.4 km (10–15 min drive)
Rate: $249.00 – One King or Two Queen Beds
Description: A luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Vancouver, offering elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium amenities. Ideal for attendees looking for an upscale experience.
Booking Code: VC251015CAZ
CAZA Conference Booking Link: The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
La Grande Résidence at The Sutton Place
An adjacent private building offering luxury furnished suites with fully equipped kitchens, living areas, and upscale decor—ideal for longer stays.
CAZA Conference Booking Link: La Grande Résidence
★★★½ 3.5-Star Hotels
Blue Horizon Hotel
225 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C3 Distance from Vancouver Aquarium: Approx. 2.9 km (8–12 min drive)
Rate: Starting from $179 - Two Queen Beds or One King
Description: A centrally located boutique hotel featuring spacious rooms with balconies and modern design. Situated on Robson Street, close to shopping, dining, and downtown attractions.
CAZA Conference Booking Instructions: Please call the Reservation Department to book a room from the CAZA141025 block over the phone at 604-688-1411.
★★★ 3-Star Hotels
Best Western Plus Sands
1755 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1W5Distance from Vancouver Aquarium: Approx. 2.5 km (6–10 min drive)
Rate: $179.00 – Two Queen Beds
Description: Located near English Bay and Stanley Park, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations with on-site dining and convenient access to beaches, trails, and downtown.
CAZA Conference Booking Link: Best Western Plus Sands
Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown
180 West Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4P4Distance from Vancouver Aquarium: Approx. 3.9 km (12–18 min drive)
Rate: $159.00 – Standard Two Queen or Corporate King Room
Description: Centrally located and ideal for business or leisure travelers, this hotel offers convenient amenities such as on-site dining, a fitness centre, and easy access to transit and attractions.
CAZA Conference Booking Link: Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is about 25–35 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Here are the main ways to reach the conference hotels and the Vancouver Aquarium:
Uber / Lyft
Time: 25–35 minutes
Cost: $35–$50 CAD
Pick-Up: Ride App Pick-Up Zone (Level 2, Domestic Terminal)
Taxi
Time: 25–35 minutes
Cost: ~$35–$45 CAD (flat rate to downtown)
Pick-Up: Outside the arrivals area
SkyTrain (Canada Line)
Time: 35–50 minutes total (train + walk or bus)
Cost: ~$9.45 CAD (includes airport surcharge)
How it works:
Follow signs to YVR–Airport Station
Buy a ticket and board the train to Waterfront Station
Get off at a downtown stop (e.g., Burrard or Stadium–Chinatown)
Walk, take a bus, or a short ride to your hotel or the Vancouver Aquarium
Get ready for a dynamic lineup of keynote presentations, engaging panels, networking sessions, and exclusive tours that highlight the latest in animal care, conservation, and education.
2025 conference agenda coming soon!
Join us in shaping the future of our industry at the 2025 Annual Conference, where thought leaders and professionals from across the field come together to connect, collaborate, and inspire. As a sponsor, you’ll gain unparalleled visibility, build meaningful relationships, and align your brand with excellence, wildlife conservation, and community impact.
To explore the full range of opportunities, view our Sponsorship Levels here.
The CAZA Awards of Excellence celebrate the outstanding achievements of our member institutions in the fields of animal welfare, conservation, education, and science. These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the professionals who strive to advance our mission of preserving biodiversity and fostering a deep connection between people and nature. By honouring excellence, we inspire continued progress and commitment to building a sustainable future for wildlife and their habitats.
Are you or your institution interested in submitting a nomination? Apply for a CAZA Award of Excellence Here.
While attending the 2025 CAZA Annual Conference, take some time to explore the vibrant city of Vancouver! Here are some must-see attractions:
Pacific Centre Shopping Mall
Discover Vancouver’s premier shopping destination featuring the largest and most high-profile retailers in the city. From luxury brands to popular fashion labels, Pacific Centre offers something for every shopper.
Visit Pacific Centre
Vancouver Art Gallery
Renowned worldwide, the Vancouver Art Gallery boasts an extensive permanent collection of Canadian art, along with rotating exhibitions showcasing works from renowned international artists. It’s a cultural highlight not to be missed.
Explore the Vancouver Art Gallery
FlyOver Canada
Experience Canada like never before with this immersive flight simulation ride. Soar over iconic landscapes from coast to coast on a state-of-the-art domed screen enhanced with wind, scents, and mist for a fully sensory adventure.
Learn more about FlyOver Canada
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Walk across the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, surrounded by lush rainforest and breathtaking views. The park also features treetop adventures and a thrilling cliffwalk for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge
Grouse Mountain
Just a short drive from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain offers year-round outdoor activities including hiking, ziplining, wildlife encounters, and stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Explore Grouse Mountain
Thank You to Our 2025 Conference Sponsors
We extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors for their invaluable support of the CAZA Annual Conference. Your partnership helps make this event possible and strengthens our shared commitment to excellence in animal care, conservation, and education.
Elite Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Supporter
Past Annual Conferences
Each year, CAZA’s Annual Conference is hosted by a member institution in a different region of Canada, reflecting the national scope and collaborative spirit of our community. Over the years, these gatherings have been made possible through the generous support and leadership of host institutions across the country. Their commitment to excellence has helped foster meaningful dialogue, share best practices, and strengthen the connections that drive our mission forward.

The CAZA 2024 Annual Conference was held from October 15-18, 2024, at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Nestled in the heart of the vibrant city of Saskatoon, the Delta Bessborough Hotel provided the perfect setting for the gathering.
The inspiring theme was "Together, for a Sustainable Future". We explored the vital intersections of science, education, and conservation, focusing on innovative strategies to ensure a thriving future for our planet.
Hosted by the esteemed Saskatoon Forestry Farm and Zoo, the conference was a remarkable convergence of minds and hearts dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of our natural world. Attendees had the unique opportunity to delve into cutting-edge research, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and forge lasting connections with fellow professionals committed to sustainability.
We united in our shared purpose to educate, conserve, and make a significant impact for generations to come. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future.
See our schedule at a glance here Agenda at a Glance CAZA 2024 Annual Conference
The 2023 CAZA Annual Conference, themed “Coming Together,” was held from November 3–8 at the Fairmont Château Montebello in Quebec, proudly hosted by Little Ray’s Nature Centre and Parc Omega.
CAZA extends sincere thanks to these outstanding institutions for not only hosting the event, but also for sponsoring the November 5th BBQ dinner and the November 7th VIP shuttle zoo visit.
We are equally grateful to our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and dedicated staff, whose support and participation helped make the 2023 conference a true success.
Together, we continue to educate, protect, and preserve wildlife—creating lasting impact through collaboration.
2022: BC Wildlife Park and Reserve (Kamloops) – Leading the Way / Ouvrir la voie
2021: Biodôme de Montréal (Montreal) – Cancelled due to COVID-19
2020: Biodôme de Montréal (Montreal) – Cancelled due to COVID-19
2019: Calgary Zoo (Calgary) – Leading the Way in Conservation / Montrer le chemin en matière de conservation
2018: African Lion Safari (Cambridge, Ontario) – Enhancing Credibility Through Transparency / Renforcer la crédibilité grâce à la transparence
2017: Ottawa, Ontario – Celebrating Our Past, Imagining Our Future / Célébrer nos réalisations et imaginer notre avenir
2016: Yukon Wildlife Park (Yukon) – Connecting for Conservation / Se mobiliser pour la conservation
2015: Assiniboine Park Zoo (Winnipeg, Manitoba) – Sustainability – Defining a Progressive Future / La durabilité – Définir un avenir progressif
2014: Magnetic Hill Zoo (Moncton, New Brunswick) – Building Bridges
2013: Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) – We Care
2012: Toronto Zoo (Toronto) – Engaging Our Community / Soutenir l'engagement communautaire
2011: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (Golden, British Columbia)
2010: Montreal, Quebec
2009: Edmonton, Alberta
2008: Granby Zoo (Granby, Quebec)