This year’s theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact” is a powerful reminder that biodiversity recovery begins at the local level. Every habitat restored, every species protected, and every partnership formed contributes to a healthier planet.

Across Canada, CAZA-accredited institutions are helping drive meaningful conservation outcomes through species recovery, wildlife rehabilitation, habitat stewardship, research, and public education.

African Lion Safari supports recovery efforts for the endangered Eastern loggerhead shrike through field monitoring and conservation research. Vancouver Aquarium is contributing to marine conservation efforts that support species such as the sunflower sea star, a keystone species critical to healthy kelp forest ecosystems. BC Wildlife Park advances wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, including care for native species such as grizzly bears.

These efforts are just a few examples that reflect a broader truth: biodiversity conservation cannot be achieved by governments alone. It requires collaboration between conservation organizations, researchers, Indigenous communities, educators, governments, and the public.

CAZA is proud to be part of this international effort with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). We invite our audience to watch WAZA’s 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity video, showcasing inspiring conservationists from around the world.

Video courtesy of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

From local action to global impact, every effort matters.

Together, we are helping build a future where wildlife, ecosystems, and people can thrive.

The post International Day for Biological Diversity 2026: Acting Locally for Global Impact appeared first on Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums.

Setting the Stage for Collaboration

The Symposium opened on an energizing and collaborative note, setting the tone for a two-day program focused on best practices, networking, and shared purpose across the zoological community.

Participants were welcomed by Tina Maisonneuve, CEO of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, who delivered inspiring opening remarks highlighting the strength that comes from working together across institutions and organizations. Her message reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities facing zoos and aquariums today.

Advancing Standards Through Accreditation

The key session, “Accreditation & Certification,” featured insights from Trish Gerth of African Lion Safari. The presentation emphasized the importance of maintaining rigorous accreditation standards as the foundation for operational excellence, ethical animal care, and sustained public trust.

Accreditation programs play a critical role in ensuring that institutions continue to evolve and meet the highest professional standards across animal welfare, conservation, and public engagement.

The Power of Partnerships

A standout presentation titled “If You Want to Go Far, Go Together” was delivered by Clint Wright from Vancouver Aquarium. The session explored how strategic partnerships across organizations and disciplines can drive meaningful progress in conservation and animal care.

Wright’s presentation reinforced a central theme echoed throughout the Symposium: collaboration strengthens our ability to innovate, solve complex challenges, and amplify conservation impact.

Linking Logistics and Animal Welfare

Another thought-provoking session, “The Journey Matters: Linking Logistics and Welfare via Multimodal Transport,” was presented by Menita Prasad of Greater Vancouver Zoo.

This presentation offered a compassionate and practical perspective on how transport planning directly influences positive animal welfare outcomes. By examining multimodal transport strategies, the session highlighted the importance of thoughtful logistics, preparation, and collaboration when animals are moved between institutions.

Addressing Complex Animal Transport

The Symposium also featured an important discussion on the complexities of animal transport and regulatory considerations. Dean Treichel of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums moderated the session “Transport or Complex Journeys: Animal Import, Export, and Transport.”

This session explored the regulatory, logistical, and welfare considerations involved in animal movement between institutions, emphasizing the importance of planning, communication, and adherence to best practices.

A Shared Commitment to Progress

The success of the Symposium was made possible through the strong partnership between Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and Zoological Association of America.

This collaboration exemplifies the spirit of cooperation, shared leadership, and knowledge exchange that drives progress within the zoological community.

Through engaging presentations, meaningful discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, the 2026 Multi-Organization Professional Development Symposium reinforced an essential message: partnerships, shared learning, and collaboration are key to advancing animal care, conservation, and professional excellence across our network.

As our community continues to work together, events like this Symposium demonstrate the collective commitment to strengthening standards, supporting professionals, and protecting wildlife for generations to come.

The post Collaboration in Action: Highlights from the 2026 Multi-Organization Professional Development Symposium appeared first on Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums.

Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), together with their members, have pledged their full support and assistance in the coordinated rescue of the Beluga whales from Marineland Canada. We commend both the Canadian Provincial and Federal governments for proactively seeking humane and sustainable solutions. 

CAZA National Office  

info@caza.ca / 613-627-3779

-FR-

Bureau national de l’AZAC

info@caza.ca / 613-627-3779

The post Communique to All Our Accredited Members   appeared first on Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums.

• CAZA’s Biodiversity Biobanking Initiative, helping safeguard Canada’s wildlife through collaboration and long-term conservation planning
• WAZA’s 2027 Population Management Goal (PMG27), supporting sustainable, science-based population management across our institutions
• CAZA’s Conservation Strategy, strengthening coordination, shared priorities, and measurable conservation outcomes
• Government Relations outreach, elevating CAZA’s role and impact while building stronger connections with decision-makers and partners
• Evolving and strengthening CAZA’s accreditation standards, while continuing to raise the bar for excellence in animal welfare, safety, and professional practice, and engaging non-accredited zoos and aquariums through the CAMP pathway to support continuous improvement and positive change across Canada and beyond

Une nouvelle année pour bâtir notre impact ensemble

• L’initiative de biobanque de biodiversité de l’AZAC, qui contribue à la protection de la faune sauvage du Canada grâce à la collaboration et à la planification à long terme de la conservation.
• L’objectif de gestion des populations 2027 (PMG27) de la WAZA, qui soutient une gestion durable et scientifique des populations dans nos institutions.
• La stratégie de conservation de l’AZAC, qui renforce la coordination, les priorités communes et les résultats mesurables en matière de conservation.
• Les relations gouvernementales, qui visent à renforcer le rôle et l’influence de l’AZAC tout en établissant des liens plus solides avec les décisionnaires et les partenaires.
• L’évolution et le renforcement des normes d’accréditation de l’AZAC, tout en continuant à relever le niveau d’excellence en matière de bien-être animal, de sécurité et de pratiques professionnelles, et en impliquant les zoos et aquariums non accrédités par le biais du programme CAMP afin de soutenir l’amélioration continue et le changement positif au Canada et au-delà.

The post A New Year of Building Our Impact Together appeared first on Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums.

Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) is proud to announce the official launch of the CAZA Biodiversity Biobank, a national conservation initiative developed in partnership with the Canadian Museum of Nature’s National Biodiversity Cryobank of Canada (NBCC). This program represents a major advancement in protecting Canada’s biodiversity by preserving the genetic diversity of species housed in CAZA-accredited institutions—particularly Canadian wildlife and species at risk.

Designed to support conservation science today and into the future, the CAZA Biodiversity Biobank will strengthen national species recovery efforts, expand access to high-quality genetic material, and contribute to global biodiversity research.

A National Collaboration for Conservation Impact

The CAZA Biodiversity Biobank was created to build a community of practice for animal biobanking across Canada, ensuring that accredited zoos and aquariums are equipped with the tools, standards, and partnerships needed to support long-term conservation outcomes.

“The goal of CAZA’s Biodiversity Biobank is to build a community of practice for biobanking across Canada. This initiative ensures that CAZA members bring all available tools to support our Strategic Conservation Plan, which focuses on preserving native species in Canada. No single organization can address the biodiversity crisis alone—collaboration is essential.”
— Tina Maisonneuve, CEO, CAZA National Office

The launch of the Biobank directly supports CAZA’s mission to empower Canadian zoos and aquariums to drive meaningful change in biodiversity preservation, education, and scientific research.

Early Success and Growing National Impact

Early participation from Riverview Park and Zoo, Parc Omega, Biodome, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and African Lion Safari has already established a strong foundation for the Biobank. Together, these institutions have contributed over 135 biological samples representing 46 species, including 10 Canadian species—accounting for just over 20% of the current collection.

This growing repository strengthens Canada’s ability to safeguard biodiversity and ensures that genetic material is available to support future research, conservation planning, and species recovery initiatives.

Partnership with the Canadian Museum of Nature

The CAZA Biodiversity Biobank is housed in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Cryobank of Canada, operated by the Canadian Museum of Nature.

“When we opened the National Biodiversity Cryobank of Canada in 2018, our goal was not only to preserve DNA and tissue samples from our collections, but also to support other institutions by biobanking donated genetic resources and making them available to the global research community. This project is an excellent use of this national biorepository for the preservation of biodiversity.”
— Dr. Danika Goosney, President and CEO, Canadian Museum of Nature

What Is a Biobank?

A biodiversity biobank is a secure repository for biological samples such as tissue, blood, and other genetic materials. These samples are cryogenically preserved for future scientific research, allowing scientists to better understand species biology, population health, and genetic diversity.

CAZA-accredited institutions are also advancing their capacity to collect and store living tissue samples, including spermatozoa, oocytes, and embryos. These samples support research and help manage genetic diversity through assisted reproductive technologies, strengthening breeding and recovery programs for vulnerable species.

From Pilot Project to National Initiative

The CAZA biodiversity biobanking program began as a pilot project involving five institutional members:

• African Lion Safari (Ontario)

• Biodôme de Montréal (Quebec)

• Parc Oméga (Quebec)

• Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (Ontario)

• Riverview Park and Zoo (Ontario)

During the pilot year, collection protocols were refined, standards established, and communication strengthened—laying the groundwork for expansion.

Voices from CAZA Member Institutions

“African Lion Safari is proud to be part of this collective effort where sharing knowledge and expertise helps build a strong community of practice that advances conservation science.”
— Trish Gerth, General Manager, African Lion Safari

“This program represents an important step forward in collective conservation, and we’re proud to contribute to efforts that help protect Canada’s incredible wildlife for future generations.”
— Peter Doyle, General Manager, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

“The Biobank’s growing collection of high-quality biological samples will play a vital role in supporting research and long-term conservation efforts, especially for species native to Canada.”
— Cathy Mitchell, Executive Director, Riverview Park and Zoo

“This collective effort strengthens our ability to preserve Canadian biodiversity while promoting knowledge sharing and scientific innovation.”
— Nicolas Gruyer, Ph.D., Director, Biodôme de Montréal | Espace pour la vie

“By participating, we extend our mission beyond the park’s borders to help preserve the diversity of life and support future research that benefits wildlife everywhere.”
— Benjamin Vallée, General Manager, Parc Oméga

Looking Ahead: A Scientific Safety Net for Species at Risk

The CAZA Biodiversity Biobank will continue to expand by welcoming additional CAZA members and conservation partners, including the IUCN Animal Biobanking for Conservation Specialist Group, Nature’s Safe, Revive & Restore, and the Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN).

Together, these collaborations position the Biobank as a scientific safety net—ensuring that today’s conservation actions are informed and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

By preserving genetic diversity now, CAZA and its partners are helping to secure a future where Canada’s wildlife and ecosystems can thrive for generations to come.

Media Inquiries

CAZA National Office – CAZA Communications at info@caza.ca

Canadian Museum of Nature – Dan Smythe at dsmythe@nature.ca

The post CAZA Launches National Biodiversity Biobank to Safeguard Wildlife appeared first on Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums.

On behalf of the entire CAZA team, we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2025 CAZA Annual Conference, held in Vancouver, British Columbia, in honour of our 50th Anniversary.

This year’s conference brought together an incredible community of professionals dedicated to advancing animal welfare, conservation, research, and public education across Canada’s zoos and aquariums. Your participation made this milestone event truly memorable.

Gratitude to Our Attendees, Speakers, Exhibitors, and Sponsors

To all our attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors—thank you for bringing your expertise, passion, and insights to this important gathering. Your contributions enriched every conversation and helped create a dynamic environment for learning and collaboration.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the outstanding team at the Vancouver Aquarium for hosting us with warmth and professionalism. We are also grateful to the staff and volunteers who ensured a seamless experience for all participants. Their dedication and hospitality embodied the spirit of our community.

Exploring Trends, Celebrating Achievements, and Strengthening Collaboration

Throughout the conference, we explored emerging developments in animal care, conservation, and education. We celebrated the achievements of our members, shared new ideas, and participated in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.

The conference theme—breaking down silos and building global connections—guided our conversations and inspired renewed commitment to collaboration. Together, we examined how cross-institutional teamwork and knowledge-sharing can strengthen our collective impact.

A Strong and United CAZA Community

Your engagement and enthusiasm reaffirm the strength of our CAZA community. Thank you for contributing to an event that both honoured our past and looked ahead to the next 50 years of growth, innovation, and conservation leadership.

We look forward to seeing you again at future CAZA events as we continue working together to build a more connected and sustainable future for wildlife and the people who care for them.

The post Thank You for Celebrating CAZA’s 50th Anniversary at the 2025 Annual Conference in Vancouver appeared first on Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums.