International Zoo Educators Association

Author: izeaoffice@gmail.com

  • August 2026 – Quarterly (x2) briefings from your IZE President

    Dear IZE Members,
    This is my second briefing of 2026, and as you may have noticed, it is coming to you slightly later than my quarterly ambitions! Fortunately, the delay is because the IZE Board and I have had a busy few months working on a range of activities to serve our members and deliver on our strategic priorities

    As a Board, we meet online every two months. We met in April, June and August. Along with the usual Board standing items in our meetings, here are just a few of the other things we have been working hard on over the last few months:
    IZE Conference – Reviewing conference abstracts, curating the programme and all sorts of activities that go into organising a global conference
    IZE Journal – Reviewing and editing articles, choosing the cover photo and finalising this year’s IZE journal ready for publication in September.
    Job Exchange Programme – Sending out this year’s call for Job Exchange Programme hosts and visitors, then matching them up for the 2026/27 season, along with managing this year’s visits. A huge thanks to our JEP maestro, Dr Dave Johnston, for all the time, energy and complicated coordination he does for this programme.

    If you are reading this and are not already an IZE member, we’d love for you to join our global network of zoo and aquarium professionals. Enjoy exclusive benefits, including access to resources, networking opportunities, and discounted event registration.

    We offer Individual, Institutional, and Associate memberships. Find out more HERE

    IZE Board at EAZA Directors’ Days

    Supporting zoos, aquariums and conservation organisations to achieve meaningful educational and social outcomes is central to IZE’s mission. Attending EAZA Directors’ Days provided a valuable opportunity for the IZE Board to contribute to this work.

    In April, Aileen Tennant (Fota Wildlife Park), IZE Europe & Middle East Regional Representative, and I joined more than 180 zoo leaders from across the UK, Europe and beyond, gathered in the Netherlands, hosted by Beekse Bergen. Through workshops and facilitated discussions, delegates helped shape EAZA’s strategic direction for the next five years.

    One thing we noticed and welcomed was the growing recognition and inclusion of conservation education in these conversations (including visitor experience, learning, inclusion, community engagement, and behaviour change). They also advocated for an even stronger, more central role for education, social, and community outcomes in the EAZA strategy moving forward.

    Photo: Dr Sarah Thomas, IZE President (Auckland Zoo) and David Field, WAZA President (RZSS Scotland) sign the WAZA-IZE MOU
    Photo: Dr Sarah Thomas, IZE President (Auckland Zoo) and David Field, WAZA President (RZSS Scotland) sign the WAZA-IZE MOU 

    WAZA & IZE extend strategic partnership to advance global conservation education

    In April, I also attended the WAZA Council meeting hosted by Artis Zoo in the Netherlands. We are delighted that IZE now has an observer seat on the WAZA Council, and it was great to connect in person with my fellow council members over the two days. 

    For me, one highlight was that IZE and WAZA renewed and extended our longstanding Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming a strong strategic partnership focused on global leadership in conservation education.

    Building on years of collaboration, this renewed agreement strengthens our shared commitment to advancing Social Change for Conservation: The World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Education Strategy, a unified global framework guiding educational practices across the global zoo and aquarium community.

    Through this collaboration, WAZA and IZE will continue to:

    • Strengthen member capacity in communication, education, and behaviour change
    • Develop and promote a shared global narrative on the societal value of zoos and aquariums
    • Facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across regions
    • Extend the reach and impact of both organisations at a global level

    Together, WAZA and IZE will continue to align their expertise, resources, and global networks to support their members in advancing their educational and social impact.

    You can read more here: https://www.waza.org/news/waza-and-ize-extend-strategic-partnership-to-advance-global-conservation-education/

    IZE at the WAZA Mid-Year Meeting 2026.

    Over two days, 17–18 June, this year’s WAZA Mid-Year meeting brought together leaders, conservation professionals, and changemakers from around the world under the theme Stewards of Tomorrow: Leadership Across Differences. Impact Without Borders.

    The programme featured two inspiring keynote speakers, a brand-new Convos with CEOs session, leadership and professional development discussions, global perspectives and key updates from across the WAZA community.

    We were delighted to be invited to speak about IZE’s investment in building conservation education leadership. I presented with Colleen Cavanaugh (also from Auckland Zoo), highlighting the many ways IZE is supporting its members in conservation education leadership development. We focused on IZE’s new Emerging Leaders Mentorship Programme (ELMP), which supports mid-career professionals in growing their leadership practice in ways that advance conservation education, social change, and collective impact. 

    It was great to be given the opportunity to speak to our global zoo and aquarium community about our commitment to professional development for our members. 

    IZE at ZAA Annual Conference

    The IZE Board was well represented at this year’s Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Conference, with myself, President-Elect Lian Wilson (Zoos Victoria) (joining online), and Oceania Regional Representative Rachel Haydon (Orana Wildlife Park) adding our voices to important conversations throughout the conference. 

    These contributions directly support IZE’s World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Education Strategy (WZACES), which focuses on elevating the impact and professionalism of conservation education worldwide. The ZAA region has adopted WZACES as their own ‘North Star’ for conservation engagement, and it was great to see the 251 conference delegates from 94 organisations acknowledge and celebrate education as one of our core foundations. 

    I facilitated a session titled: ‘Five Years On: How WZACES Has Reshaped Conservation Education Practice Across the ZAA Region’. The session asked participants to reflect on the influence of the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Education Strategy since it was launched in late 2020 and explored how its principles have strengthened conservation education practice, built professional capability, and embedded evidence-based approaches across the region.
    Rachel, alongside IZE Members Colleen Cavanagh (Auckland Zoo)and Amy Hughes (Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo), led an interactive workshop exploring WZACES Chapter 1: ‘How to Build a Whole Team Shared Understanding of Conservation Engagement.’ The workshop encouraged participants to think beyond education teams alone, focusing on how organisations can create a shared commitment to conservation engagement across all departments, roles, and visitor touchpoints.It was inspiring to see the continued momentum behind WZACES and the commitment of zoo and aquarium professionals across Oceania to strengthen conservation engagement.

    IZE Conference Countdown

    In just a couple of months, more than 100 delegates from around the world will gather in Cape Town, South Africa, for the biennial IZE Conference 2026, hosted by Two Oceans Aquarium from 12-16 October 2026.

    We are also thrilled to have announced an outstanding keynote line-up. Celebrated storyteller Dr Gcina Mhlophe, ocean conservation advocate Loyiso Dunga, and animal welfare expert Dave Morgan will each bring unique perspectives on storytelling, conservation, community engagement, and welfare-centred practice. 

    Together, their keynote presentations promise to inspire, challenge, and connect delegates while highlighting the many ways conservation educators can create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

    Bringing together educators, conservationists, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe, the programme explores the ideas, partnerships, and approaches shaping the future of conservation education. In addition to inspiring keynotes, delegates can look forward to engaging presentations, practical workshops, Emerging Leaders presentations, discussions, and unique opportunities to connect with colleagues while experiencing Cape Town’s remarkable natural and cultural landscapes.
    View the programme on our conference webpage HERE
    There’s still time to register here: https://www.aquarium.co.za/ize-conference-2026  

    Looking Ahead

    As I reflect on the past few months, I am reminded once again of the strength of the IZE community. Whether through leadership development, knowledge sharing, strategic partnerships, conference planning, or the incredible work happening every day in zoos and aquariums around the world, our collective impact continues to grow and thrive.

    With the IZE Conference 2026 now just around the corner, I am excited about the opportunities ahead to learn from one another, celebrate our achievements, and continue advancing conservation education together. Thank you for the passion, expertise, and generosity you bring to this community. I look forward to connecting with many of you soon.

    Best wishes,

    Sarah

    IZE President

    Dr Sarah Thomas 

    Head of Conservation Advocacy and Engagement 

    Auckland Zoo. Aotearoa, New Zealand

  • LoroFest 2026 – Zoológico Guadalajara

    Zoo visitors enjoy LoroFest

    On May 31, Zoológico Guadalajara celebrated LoroFest, an environmental education event dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of parrots and macaws, some of the most threatened bird species in Mexico. The festival brought together families, students, and wildlife enthusiasts for a day of interactive learning and conservation action.

    Visitors participated in educational talks, hands-on activities, games, and encounters with ambassador birds that highlighted the ecological importance of parrots as seed dispersers and key components of healthy ecosystems. Special exhibits showcased the challenges these species face in the wild, including habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change.

    The event also featured conservation success stories and the role of zoological institutions in breeding, research, rescue, and public engagement programs that support parrot conservation. Through creative activities and direct interactions with educators, guests were encouraged to become advocates for wildlife by making informed choices and supporting conservation initiatives.

    LoroFest reflects Zoológico Guadalajara’s commitment to connecting people with nature and inspiring positive actions for biodiversity conservation, while celebrating the beauty, intelligence, and ecological value of parrots and macaws native to Mexico and other regions of the world.

  • Experience Night Camps at Zoológico Guadalajara

    Night Camps at Zoologico Guadalajara

    The Education Department at Guadalajara Zoo is pleased to share one of its longest-running educational programs, which has been offered for more than 20 years: Night Camps. This unique experience allows participants to spend a night at the zoo while discovering the fascinating adaptations of nocturnal animals through games, interactive talks, and a nighttime rally. During the activity, participants take on the role of a nocturnal species and embark on an exciting journey through “the world” after dark.

    Throughout the adventure, participants put all five senses to the test. They navigate dark environments, take part in a “Taste Challenge” that explores the senses of taste and smell, and remain alert to every sound as they avoid both natural predators and human predators who attempt to interrupt their journey.

    This immersive experience helps dispel common myths surrounding nocturnal animals and the darkness of the night itself.

    The Night Camps welcome elementary school groups, university students, and families, providing an engaging and memorable way to learn about the adaptations of nocturnal wildlife. Participants also explore the importance of food webs and gain a deeper understanding of how human actions can positively or negatively influence natural ecosystems.

    Guests enjoy Night Camps at Zoologico Guadalajara
    A figure dressed in dark clothing and a mask made of paper or other materials, holding a lantern. The figure is surrounded by darkness, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
    A group of children playing in the sand at night, one boy is blindfolded and kneeling down, while others are nearby, with a campfire flickering in the background.
    A group of people sitting around a campfire at night, with two individuals standing and speaking. The atmosphere is warm and communal.

  • Latin America Region Feature: Escuadrón Jabato (Wild Board Squad)

    Boy squatting next to plant as part of Escuadrón Jabato

    At Africam Safari, children are at the heart of wonder, discovery, and care. A long-term commitment to working with the sons, daughters, and grandchildren of staff members between the ages of 6 and 11 is a key priority. Since November 2024, the Escuadrón Jabato (Wild Boar Squad) has positively impacted participants’ holistic development by creating meaningful learning experiences that strengthen both their social and educational growth.

    Grounded in the principles of care-based pedagogy, environmental education, and active learning, Escuadrón Jabato promotes collaborative learning and has successfully built a “sounder” of 30 participants. Sessions are held every two weeks at Africam Safari and are scheduled to align with the working hours of parents and grandparents. The program has also established partnerships with professionals who contribute to the children’s learning and exploration process.

    Each session includes two key components: (1) discovering different areas of the park as living classrooms, where participants learn about animal welfare and engage with conservation programs; and (2) using play as a pedagogical tool to encourage meaningful, participatory, and contextualized learning.

    Consistent engagement with children in informal learning environments such as zoological institutions fosters profound personal growth and creates lasting positive impacts at both the social and environmental levels.

    Students participate in Wild Boar Squad at Africam Safari
    Two children observing a caterpillar outdoors while wearing matching t-shirts, showcasing their engagement with nature.
    A group of children walking together along a stone path in a park, each carrying backpacks. The scene is lush with greenery and trees in the background.
    An educator sitting on the grass presenting a painting to a group of children during an outdoor activity at Africam Safari in Puebla, Mexico.

  • WAZA and IZE extend strategic partnership to advance global conservation education

    Representatives from IZE and WAZA holding signed MOU
    Photo: Dr Sarah Thomas, IZE President (Auckland Zoo) and David Field, WAZA President (RZSS Scotland) sign the WAZA-IZE MOU

    During this week’s WAZA Council meeting, the International Zoo Educators Association (IZE) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) renewed and extended our longstanding Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming a strong strategic partnership focused on global leadership in conservation education.

    Building on years of collaboration, this renewed agreement strengthens our shared commitment to advancing Social Change for Conservation: the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Education Strategy, a unified global framework guiding educational practices across the global zoo and aquarium community.

    Through this collaboration, WAZA and IZE will continue to:

    – Strengthen member capacity in communication, education, and behaviour change

    – Develop and promote a shared global narrative on the societal value of zoos and aquariums

    – Facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across regions

    – Extend the reach and impact of both organisations at a global level

    Together, WAZA and IZE will continue to align their expertise, resources, and global networks to support their members in advancing their educational and social impact.

    Read more here: https://www.waza.org/news/waza-and-ize-extend-strategic-partnership-to-advance-global-conservation-education/