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AZA, EAZA, and ZAA Meet the WAZA 2027 Population Management Goal
Posted: 6 March 2025
WAZA Member Associations, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Australasia have met the WAZA 2027 Population Management Goal.
For the three associations, meeting the WAZA 2027 Population Management Goal is a significant recognition, confirming that their population management frameworks contribute to advancing professional population management within the zoo and aquarium community. This achievement follows the implementation of the WAZA 2023 Animal Welfare Goal and supports WAZA’s vision to be a globally trusted and recognised leader advancing conservation and animal welfare.
As biodiversity loss accelerates, zoos and aquariums are increasingly called upon to play a critical role in preventing the extinction of species. The 27PMG supports Target 4 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt species extinction, protect genetic diversity, and manage human-wildlife conflicts.
WAZA 2027 Population Management Goal
The 27PMG was established in 2023 following consultation with WAZA member associations and was unanimously approved during the 78th WAZA Annual General Assembly. The 27PMG sets the objectives that
By 31 December 2027,
- WAZA Regional associations* must have a science-based population management framework that reflects the specific professional and effective elements of population management as approved by WAZA.
- WAZA Regional associations must require participation of its institutional members in their population management framework, such that there is institutional responsibility for effective and impactful population management.
* Without the oversight of a Regional association, this responsibility will be that of the operating National association.
The goal focuses on six key elements:
- Goal-driven species selection – Strategic approaches based on conservation needs
- Sourcing, transfer and destination policy – Ensuring legal, sustainable, and ethical practices
- Data, tools and science – Using high-quality science-based data
- Animal welfare – Prioritising positive welfare in decision-making
- Engagement and participation by members – Fostering collaboration
- Capacity building and staff – Ensuring appropriate resources and trained professionals
Development and Implementation
The WAZA 27PMG framework was developed through collaboration beginning in March 2023 when the WAZA Committee for Population Management (CPM) met in Amsterdam. Representatives from regional associations including ALPZA, AZA, EAZA, PAAZA, SEAZA, and ZAA participated in this meeting, ensuring the framework would be comprehensive and representative of the diversity that WAZA encompasses.
After the WAZA Council approved the framework, the WAZA CPM and Executive Office developed supporting documents and a Self-Assessment Tool to help associations implement and assess their progress.
In July 2024, AZA, EAZA, and ZAA participated in a pilot review to test the framework and assessment tool, which has now resulted in their successful achievement of the goal.
Through the 27PMG, WAZA works with regions to strengthen and advance global zoo and aquarium practices in species and population management, setting the stage for more efficient global collaboration.
Moving Forward
With AZA, EAZA, and ZAA having met the 27PMG, other regional and national associations continue working toward the December 2027 deadline. This process provides opportunities for regions to learn from one another, share best practices, and enhance and align regional population management frameworks.
More information about the WAZA 2027 Population Management Goal can be found here.
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.
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