Awards of Excellence
Awards of Excellence
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. Recognizing these efforts is crucial, as it highlights the significant contributions of our institutions and their staff in promoting ethical practices, innovative research, and impactful educational programs. By honoring excellence, we inspire continued progress and commitment to building a sustainable future for wildlife and their habitats.
Awards Recipients
Thomas R. Baines Award for Excellence in Habitat Design and Development
This award recognizes excellence in the area of habitat design and development by a CAZA accredited institutional member. Success in this category will depend upon the applicant applying creative and unique approaches to animal care and welfare, enhancing public appreciation of the species and conveying meaningful educational messages.
Apply for the Thomas R. Baines Award for Excellence in Habitat Design and Development Award
Eleanore Oakes Award for Education Program Design
This award recognizes outstanding achievement and innovation in education program design that enhances conservation knowledge and/or promotes positive conservation attitudes and behavior. Successful submissions will demonstrate creativity, innovation, goal setting and include a means to measure success.
Apply for the Eleanore Oakes Award for Education Program Design Award
Peter Karsten In-Situ Conservation Award
This award recognizes institutional achievement in the field of in-situ conservation. Applications are encouraged for projects in areas of in-situ species, habitat or biodiversity support, recovery and/or restoration. Types of support include, but are not limited to, fiscal, educational and personnel. The successful applicant will demonstrate a long-term institutional commitment to the submitted activity.
Col. G.D. Dailley Award for Ex-Situ Species Propagation
This award recognizes institutional achievement in the field of in-situ conservation. Applications are encouraged for projects in areas of in-situ species, habitat or biodiversity support, recovery and/or restoration. Types of support include, but are not limited to, fiscal, educational and personnel. The successful applicant will demonstrate a long-term institutional commitment to the submitted activity.
Apply for the Col. G.D. Dailley Ex-Situ Species Propagation Award
Zoo and Aquarium Professional Award
This award recognizes innovation and significant contribution to the zoo and aquarium field by permanent staff employed at a CAZA institutional or educational affiliate member.
Volunteer of the Year Award
This award will recognize the valuable short or long-term contribution a volunteer has made to a member Institution of CAZA.
Greg Tarry Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is given at the discretion by the CAZA Board of Directors to someone who has exhibited a lifetime commitment to the sector and to CAZA. Successful submissions will require an essay detailing outstanding accomplishments to the sector and volunteer time to CAZA. This award can be given posthumously.
Certificates of Merit
This award is given at the discretion by the CAZA Board of Directors to someone who has exhibited a lifetime commitment to the sector and to CAZA. Successful submissions will require an essay detailing outstanding accomplishments to the sector and volunteer time to CAZA. This award can be given posthumously.
