New Blueprint for Zoos and Aquariums’ Conservation

15juni2005
WAZA
Zoos and aquariums around the world have a new blueprint for their conservation work with today’s launch of Building a Future for Wildlife – the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy.
The international launch of the strategy was hosted by Melbourne Zoo at its award-winning Trail of the Elephants.

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums president, Ed McAlister, said the strategy would be an important resource for zoos and aquariums everywhere. ‘Building a Future for Wildlife is a blueprint for action on conservation by zoos and aquariums worldwide,’ Mr McAlister said. ‘The Strategy encourages zoos and aquariums to become models for truly integrated conservation, linking programs inside and outside their properties. It recommends that zoos and aquariums assess their conservation efforts with hard data and measurements, urges zoos and aquariums to set examples for environmental sustainability; and to set and follow ethical standards for animal welfare. It calls on zoos and aquariums to strive to become major advocates for wildlife and wild places in their respective communities; and to maximise the use of education and communication as important conservation activities, and it recommends increased work by zoos and aquariums to support conservation in the wild, through science, research, breeding programs and application of their skills and expertise.

The Strategy also urges an increase and strengthening of networks, information exchange, and co-operation between zoos and aquariums themselves, and with other organisations.