Dear IZE Members,
Somehow, it’s been three (and a bit) months since my appointment as IZE President, and I wanted to give you all an update on the milestones and moments from the last quarter, which have been so full of connection, momentum, and inspiration that time has had trouble keeping up.
As I settle into this role as IZE President, I’ve been continually reminded of what an extraordinary community we are. Here’s a quick look at what we – the global IZE family – have achieved together over the last 3 months.
Strengthening Our Foundations
One of our highlights has been appointing a new IZE Journal Editor, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to share knowledge, elevate practice, and highlight the incredible work happening across regions. I’m excited about how the Journal will continue to evolve and showcase our collective expertise. Congratulations to Lauren Cole from Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Conference planning is also well underway for our next IZE Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Every update from the team makes me more excited, the energy, the ideas, the collaboration, and of course, our hosts, Two Oceans Aquarium. It’s all building towards a truly memorable gathering in 2026.
Welcoming New Faces
Over the past quarter, it’s been renewal time for your IZE membership, and we are thrilled by the number of institutions, individuals, and associated members who have continued to renew, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to conservation education and the value IZE membership brings to our zoo and aquarium community.
Special welcome to the brand-new institutional member, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Canada.
I had the pleasure of chairing two IZE Board meetings and welcoming three wonderful new board members: Francis William Ruhinirwa (Frank), the Africa Regional Representative; Rina Rajagukguk, the East and Southeast Asia Regional Representative; and Maria Eugenia Martínez Arizmendi (Maru), the Latin America Regional Representative. Their leadership and regional insights are already strengthening the board’s work, and I’m so grateful for the time and expertise they bring. Learn more about Frank, Rina, and Maru, and the rest of the IZE Board here.
Celebrating Global Impact
This quarter has been rich with milestones worth celebrating:
IZE joined forces with WAZA in launching the special publication Leading Social Change for Biodiversity Conservation, featuring 14 powerful stories of real conservation impact from around the world. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s well worth a read: https://www.waza.org/blog/from-hope-to-impact-14-stories-of-change/ .
We marked International Zoo and Aquarium Educators Day on November 13, 2025, with our highest-ever global participation rate! Seeing the creativity and passion from so many conservation educators around the world reminded me why this IZE community is so collectively impactful.
Launching the Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program
Another milestone I’m particularly delighted to report on from this quarter is the official launch of the Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program (ELMP). This initiative has been a long time in the making and reflects one of IZE’s core commitments: supporting the next generation of conservation education leaders.
The program offers professional development for mid-career conservation educators through a mix of one-on-one mentorship, master classes with experts, and guided project work, culminating at the next IZE Conference. It’s all about building confidence, strengthening skills, and creating space for emerging leaders to grow and shine.
This year’s cohort are:
- Sarah Martin, Manager of Education Programs, Wildlife Conservation Society – New York Aquarium (USA)
- Falina Razafimamonjy, Assistant Manager, Wildlife Madagascar (Madagascar)
- Ariel Segura, Zoo Apprenticeship Program (ZAP) Coordinator, Oregon Zoo (USA)
- Lizzie Seymour, Learning Technology Officer, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (Scotland)
- Kaitlin Van Der Linden, Edmonton, Alberta (Canada)
I’m so excited to follow their journeys, support their growth, and learn from the insights they’ll bring to our community. And thanks to all the mentors and the ELMP team for their hard work in getting this off the ground.
Looking Back… and Looking Ahead
It’s also hard to believe it’s been five years since we launched Social Change for Conservation – The World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Education Strategy. This document has become such a cornerstone for educators across the globe — a shared language, a framework, and a source of inspiration.
Which makes it the perfect time for what comes next:
We’re about to begin a new project with WAZA, gathering stories, examples, and reflections on how this strategy has shaped the work of conservation educators and the wider zoo and aquarium community. I’m genuinely excited to shine a light on these impacts, both the transformational shifts and the quieter, everyday changes that add up to something collectively powerful. Watch this space and our socials on how you can contribute soon.
Gratitude, Always
These first months have reinforced what I’ve always known about IZE: we are stronger together. Thank you to everyone who has shared ideas, offered support, stepped forward, or simply kept doing the important work you do every day.
If the first three months are anything to go by, I can’t wait to see what the next quarter brings.
Best wishes,
Sarah
IZE President
Dr Sarah Thomas
Head of Conservation Advocacy and Engagement
Auckland Zoo. Aotearoa, New Zealand