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International Zoo Educators Association

Insights

MAXIMIZE: As an IZE member, staying informed is key.

This page provides you with the latest news about IZE programs, member accomplishments, upcoming events, and developments in the field of conservation education.

  • Evolution of Professional Development

    Close-up of a sea turtle swimming in an aquarium, with visitors in the background observing through a glass panel.

    Introducing the Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program (ELMP)

    In 2026, IZE launched the Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program (ELMP), a new initiative designed to foster professional growth within our community. This year, we are piloting the program with an inaugural cohort of five mentors and five mentees.

    ELMP represents a strategic evolution of our commitment to member success. Following an extensive review of the long-standing Sponsored Delegates Program (SDP) and its impact over the last decade, the Board recognized an opportunity to better align our resources with current member needs.

    To ensure this new direction was member-led, we conducted focus groups to identify the most pressing professional development gaps. The feedback was clear: there is a significant demand for dedicated mentorship for mid-career conservation educators. ELMP was created specifically to meet that need.

    Support for Our Mentees

    We are proud to support our ELMP Mentees in their professional journey. Much like our previous delegates, mentees receive comprehensive support to attend the annual conference, including:

    • Guaranteed placement in the conference program.
    • Waived registration fees.
    • Covered accommodation costs for the duration of the event.

    (Note: All other travel-related expenses remain the responsibility of the participant.)

    We look forward to learning alongside this first cohort and showcasing the mentees’ impactful work at the 2026 Conference!

  • A Unique Opportunity: WCS Global 2 Local Series

    The Wildlife Conservation Society Professional Development Team is offering multiple free professional development specifically for informal educators! This is a great opportunity to connect with others in our network and gain fresh ideas for our different audiences:

    WCS is offering free, three-hour online PDs as part of their new Global 2 Local: Informal Educators series, with sessions at different times to accommodate informal educators around the world:

    ·       Tools and Technology in Conservation explores real-world case studies and how scientists use tools like GPS tracking, camera traps, and data modeling to protect wildlife and ecosystems (online March 3 or March 5).

    ·       Teaching for Impact: Strengthening Conservation Programming focuses on strategies to enhance your programs and inspire audiences to understand, care about, and act for the natural world (online June 9 or June 11).

    WCS is also hosting a free, in-person, two-day PD series at the Bronx Zoo exclusively for informal educators: STEM It Up! This hands-on program takes place on Wednesday, March 11 and March 18 and brings together educators from across the NY area to explore real-world conservation with WCS scientists. You’ll engage with topics like sustainability, climate change, and genetics, and leave with ready-to-use STEM activities for your audiences.

    Capacity for these programs is extremely limited so sign up as soon as you can to secure your spot! 

    A group of researchers walking through tall green grasses in a wetland area, equipped with notebooks and measuring tools.

  • A Special Joint Publication by WAZA and IZE

    Leading Social Change for Biodiversity Conservation –

    WAZA Magazine Cover 2025 Issue 2

    We are delighted to share with you a new joint publication by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the International Zoo Educators Association (IZE): Leading Social Change for Biodiversity Conservation. 

    This special edition brings together powerful, real-world examples from zoos and aquariums around the world, highlighting how our community is helping to drive meaningful social and behavioural change for the benefit of people, wildlife, and the natural world. 

    Across its pages, you will discover how institutions are: 

    • Engaging communities to drive behaviour change, by combining conservation education with practical support, empowering local groups, offering simple and replicable skills, and using tools such as citizen science, local advocacy and behaviour change models to foster nature-positive actions. 
    • Strengthening the role of young people, teachers and community educators, through programmes that build confidence, nurture empathy for wildlife, encourage science-based problem-solving, and embed conservation values across classrooms and community spaces. 
    • Influencing policy and shifting public narratives, from mobilising regional support for protected areas to driving global momentum through storytelling, public pledges and collective action that reframes conservation from crisis to hope. 
    • Embedding wellbeing as a cornerstone of conservation engagement, recognising the importance of emotional resilience, intentional nature connection and holistic learning environments as essential drivers for long-term pro-environmental behaviour, conservation action and broader social change. 

    Together, these stories illustrate a powerful message: zoos and aquariums are not only places for learning and inspiration – they are dynamic forces for positive change, shaping a future where communities and nature thrive side by side. 

    We warmly invite you to: 
    • Download the magazine 
    • Read and reflect on the inspiring work of your peers 
    • Share it with your teams, partners and networks 

    Your leadership and commitment continue to strengthen our collective ability to inspire people, transform behaviours and safeguard biodiversity. We hope this publication encourages further collaboration, sparks new ideas, and reinforces the essential role each of you plays in driving social change for conservation.

  • blooloop article: Empowering conservation educators: inside IZE’s global mission for wildlife

    July 23, 2025 – Interview with 3 members of the IZE Board of Directors about how educators can help drive lasting change

  • 2026 IZE Conference Preview

    Promotional graphic for the International Zoo Educators Conference in Cape Town, featuring images of Table Mountain, local flora, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and event details including dates and contact information.

    Go to ize2026.com for details!