President's Note

I like to welcome all members and the public to this website of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)! What is WAZA aiming for? We strive to be the unifying voice of the worldwide community of zoos and aquariums, sharing a high standard in animal keeping and conservation efforts.

Historically zoos have developed over a period of 100–200 years, starting as menageries with exotic animals on display. Today responsible zoos have a much more holistic view of their work. They aim to contribute to species and habitat conservation on different levels and to support public education on environmental issues. We like to inspire people of all ages for wild animals and their places!

Zoos and aquariums are in a very special position in contrast to other conservation organisations. Only zoos keep populations of endangered animals and have developed experience and knowledge how to manage these stocks in a demographically and genetically sustainable way. More than 1,600 studbooks for over 1,000 species are kept by zoo staff worldwide in order to breed and manage threatened species. Zoos keep backup populations of these animals and support reintroduction projects with their stocks.

Additionally, zoos and aquariums contribute to or run hundreds of wildlife projects themselves in range countries and spend the magnificent amount of over US$ 350 million each year for wildlife conservation. This recently updated and evaluated figure shows the positive influence that the zoo and aquarium community is generating.

700 million visitors annually in WAZA zoos and aquariums are the force that fuels our work. Our efforts are becoming more and more urgent as we lose habitats and species every day. This is why our community will engage in the Decade on Biodiversity 2011–2020, which was proclaimed by the United Nations and aims to stop the loss of wildlife and nature.

Through browsing this website you will find out more details about our work and see how you can engage yourself in conservation!

Dr Jörg Junhold

WAZA President