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.

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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

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• 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.

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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

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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.

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CAZA is proud to recognize Safari Niagara as the 2025 recipient of the Eleanore Oakes Award (Large Institution). This award honours exceptional achievement in conservation education program design, highlighting projects that inspire learning, build conservation awareness, and engage the next generation of environmental stewards.

Safari Niagara earned this distinction for its forward-thinking redesign of the Junior Zookeeper Program. What began as a traditional behind-the-scenes experience has evolved into a comprehensive, research-informed learning program that benefits both youth participants and staff facilitators.

A Transformative Learning Program for Young Conservationists

The redesigned Junior Zookeeper Program empowers adolescent participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to understand wildlife care and conservation. Through hands-on, guided activities, participants learn:

• Foundational animal husbandry practices

• Observation and data collection techniques

• Testing and environmental assessment skills

• Sustainable habits and environmental stewardship

By linking practical skills with conservation values, the program encourages youth to explore green careers and develop a lifelong connection to the natural world.

Supporting Staff Development and Continuous Improvement

In addition to its impact on youth, the program also supports professional development for seasonal staff and team members outside the education department. Daily reflections, group discussions, and structured feedback cycles allow facilitators to grow their leadership and teaching skills.

Regular pilot testing and iterative redesign have strengthened the program’s delivery and created a culture of continuous improvement. This collaborative, research-driven approach ensures that the program remains relevant, engaging, and effective.

A Scalable Model for Conservation Education Excellence

Safari Niagara’s commitment to innovation, cross-departmental collaboration, and measurable educational outcomes demonstrates what’s possible when institutions invest in impactful learning experiences. The Junior Zookeeper Program now stands as a scalable, repeatable model for conservation education across CAZA-accredited organizations.

CAZA congratulates Safari Niagara on this outstanding achievement and its leadership in empowering future conservation advocates.

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CAZA is proud to honour the Montréal Biodôme as the 2025 recipient of the Peter Karsten Award (Large Institution). This award recognizes exceptional achievement in in-situ conservation, celebrating programs that protect threatened species through research, habitat protection, and long-term recovery strategies.

The Biodôme is recognized for more than 15 years of leadership in the recovery of Quebec’s endangered Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata). This small amphibian has faced severe declines across Montérégie and Outaouais due to habitat loss, climate change, and environmental pressures. The Biodôme’s work has been essential in safeguarding the species and restoring its remaining populations.

A Long-Term Commitment to Species Recovery

The Montréal Biodôme has developed one of Canada’s most comprehensive amphibian recovery programs. Working closely with provincial and federal partners, the team has:

• Established a secure insurance population

• Achieved Canada’s first successful ex-situ breeding of the Western Chorus Frog

• Reintroduced thousands of froglets, tadpoles, and adults into protected wetlands

• Released more than 9,600 individuals across three recovery sites since 2016

These efforts have strengthened vulnerable populations and supported the species’ return to portions of its historical range.

Science, Collaboration, and Innovation

The Biodôme continues to advance conservation science through:

• Head-start programs that improve survival rates

• Experimental mesocosms that test and refine habitat restoration methods

• Collaborative field research that guides adaptive management strategies

This scientific approach ensures the program responds effectively to emerging threats and supports long-term population stability.

Protecting Wetlands and Engaging Communities

Beyond research and breeding, the Biodôme plays a key role in community outreach and education. By raising awareness about wetland conservation, habitat loss, and amphibian ecology, the team is helping build public support for the species and its fragile ecosystem.

Their dedication highlights how in-situ conservation can strengthen biodiversity, protect critical habitats, and inspire meaningful environmental action.

CAZA congratulates the Montréal Biodôme on this remarkable achievement and its ongoing leadership in species recovery efforts.

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CAZA is proud to present the Thomas R. Baines Award for Excellence in Habitat Design and Development (Large Institution) to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada for its groundbreaking exhibit, Dragons: Myths Made Real. This award celebrates innovative habitat design that enhances animal care, inspires learning, and strengthens public connection to wildlife.

Blending Myth and Science to Inspire Curiosity

Dragons: Myths Made Real is an immersive experience that brings the legends of dragons to life through real animals. Visitors meet “living dragons” such as dwarf caimans, monitor lizards, pythons, and geckos. By linking global folklore with scientific facts, the exhibit shows how these species’ remarkable adaptations inspired myths from around the world.

This approach helps visitors appreciate biodiversity while discovering the connections between storytelling, culture, and conservation.

Accessible, Interactive, and Designed for All Visitors

Created in collaboration with Little Rays Nature Centre, the exhibit features:

• Dynamic, naturalistic habitats

• Life-size dragon models

• Clear and engaging educational panels

The exhibit also launched The Phoebe Project, the first initiative to create tactile sculptures for every live species on display. This makes the exhibit more accessible for guests who are blind or have low vision, allowing them to explore the animals’ forms through touch.

Pushing Creative Boundaries in Habitat Design

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada reimagined existing gallery spaces to deliver an immersive and visually striking experience. Highlights include:

• A freshwater caiman habitat complete with a waterfall

• Dramatic thematic elements, including a large dragon sculpture

• Interactive storytelling woven throughout each display

The result is a space that combines scientific accuracy with creative flair, encouraging visitors to explore, learn, and reflect.

Setting a New Standard for Conservation Education

Dragons: Myths Made Real goes beyond exhibit design. It fosters environmental stewardship by helping visitors understand how human cultures have long been shaped by the natural world. Its accessible design ensures that people of all ages and abilities can engage meaningfully with conservation stories.

CAZA congratulates Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada on this outstanding achievement and its leadership in innovative, inclusive habitat design.

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CAZA is proud to recognize the Greater Vancouver Zoo as the 2025 recipient of the Eleanore Oakes Award (Small Institution). This award honours exceptional achievement in conservation education program design, celebrating initiatives that deepen public understanding of biodiversity and inspire meaningful conservation action.

The Zoo earned this accolade for its innovative program Ghosts of the Animal Kingdom, a creative educational experience that harnessed the cultural relevance of Halloween to share powerful stories about extinction and human impact on wildlife.

Ghosts of the Animal Kingdom: A Creative Approach to Conservation Awareness

Designed to engage visitors of all ages, Ghosts of the Animal Kingdom highlighted 13 species lost to extinction due to human activities. Through immersive and thought-provoking elements, the program encouraged reflection, empathy, and hope:

• Illustrated tombstones representing extinct species

• QR-linked educational videos offering deeper learning on each animal’s history

• Story-driven content that connected past extinctions with present-day conservation challenges

• Thoughtful pairings of extinct species with modern relatives, helping visitors understand the ongoing risks many living species still face

By meeting audiences where their interests already lie—seasonal traditions and storytelling—the program successfully captured attention and transformed curiosity into conservation awareness.

Collaboration, Engagement, and Lasting Impact

This award-winning initiative was developed collaboratively by the Zoo’s Education and Marketing teams, exemplifying how cross-departmental creativity can elevate conservation education. The program reached thousands of visitors, demonstrating measurable engagement, strong emotional resonance, and scalable potential for future growth.

With plans to further expand content, refine storytelling, and deepen conservation messaging, Ghosts of the Animal Kingdom is poised to become a long-term cornerstone of the Zoo’s educational programming.

CAZA congratulates the entire Greater Vancouver Zoo team on this remarkable achievement and their continued leadership in conservation education.

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CAZA is proud to honour Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC), home of Assiniboine Park Zoo, as the 2025 recipient of the Colonel G.D. Dailley Award. This prestigious award celebrates outstanding excellence in ex-situ conservation, recognizing programs that advance the long-term survival of endangered species through innovative propagation, research, and management.

APC received this recognition for its groundbreaking Grassland Butterfly Conservation Program, a multi-year initiative that has played a pivotal role in the recovery of the critically endangered Poweshiek Skipperling. Once widespread across the tallgrass prairies of North America, this small butterfly now exists in only two known wild populations—making conservation efforts both urgent and essential.

A Science-Driven Approach to Saving a Species

Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s conservation team, working closely with Canadian and international partners, has achieved remarkable milestones that set a new standard for species recovery initiatives:

• Released more than 700 Poweshiek Skipperlings into native prairie habitats

• Completed the first-ever reintroduction of the species at a previously extirpated site

• Improved egg-to-adult survival rates more than twenty-fold, dramatically increasing the program’s impact

• Advanced genetic research to strengthen population resilience and ensure long-term sustainability

• Shared conservation knowledge across borders, strengthening collaborative efforts to protect grassland biodiversity

These accomplishments reflect the power of coordinated, science-based conservation and highlight the essential role of CAZA-accredited institutions in protecting Canada’s biodiversity.

A Model for Future Species Recovery Efforts

The success of the Grassland Butterfly Conservation Program demonstrates what is possible when research, teamwork, and innovation come together with a shared commitment to conservation. APC’s leadership in species recovery provides a model for other organizations working to protect threatened wildlife, particularly those facing rapid declines due to habitat loss and environmental change.

CAZA extends its warmest congratulations to the entire Assiniboine Park Conservancy team. Their dedication and accomplishments highlight the critical importance of ex-situ conservation in supporting species survival and restoring wildlife populations across Canada.

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