What to Expect

• Curated Programme: Inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking panels, and compelling member case studies sharing successes, lessons learned, and impact.
• Interactive Sessions: Dynamic workshops and solution-oriented discussions designed to spark ideas and drive collaboration.
• 90th Anniversary: Special celebrations honouring nine decades of collective action and progress.
• Awards Gala: An evening dedicated to celebrating excellence with the presentation of four prestigious WAZA awards.
• Networking Opportunities: Meaningful opportunities to connect with leaders, peers, and partners from across the global zoo and aquarium community.
  
  

Theme: ‘90 Years and Beyond: Uniting for a Thriving Planet’

Uniting Voices, Expertise, and Purpose – 90 Years and Beyond

Uniting Voices 

Connect, collaborate, and exchange with colleagues from across our global zoo and aquarium community.

Uniting Expertise 

Gain valuable knowledge from a thoughtfully curated programme with international speakers delivering insight and inspiration.

Uniting Purpose 

Celebrate WAZA’s 90 years as a symbol of collective progress ‑ reaffirming our mission to advance conservation and animal welfare, and working together to future-proof our community.

Join us in person or participate online

Joining us in Cali includes:

• Four days of conference programming 
• The Icebreaker and social events 
• Gala Dinner with the 2025 WAZA Awards Ceremony 
• Free entry to Cali Zoo and the Cali Botanical Garden during the conference period 
• Transportation to official events from the conference hotel  
• Access to the Whova platform for networking and more 

Experience Colombia’s Extraordinary Biodiversity
Known as the “city of birds,” Cali offers a gateway to one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to record numbers of bird, orchid, and butterfly species.

Online Participation, Wherever You Are

For those unable to travel to Cali, Colombia, WAZA has introduced a new online participation option for the 80th Annual Conference. This format brings the spirit of the conference to you, wherever you are, allowing you to engage with the event and contribute to the global conversation in this milestone year.

The online option will provide: 

• Streaming access to the Opening Ceremony and Plenary Sessions across four days 
• A Virtual Zoo Visit with behind-the-scenes insights from Cali Zoo 
• Access to the Whova online platform to connect with attendees and follow conference updates 
• The official WAZA 2025 tote bag, shipped to your home institution (subject to postal/customs restrictions)

Full details of the registration packages are available on the conference website.

Safety and Security

We are committed to delivering a memorable conference that honours our 90‑year legacy and serves our community well. The safety and well‑being of everyone involved are WAZA’s top priority. Our hosts at Cali Zoo are in constant communication with local authorities and enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and welcoming experience across all venues, including the InterContinental Hotel, Cali Zoo, and the Cali Botanical Garden.

2025 WAZA Awards Gala

Celebrate excellence during the Gala Dinner, where WAZA awards will be presented:

• Heini Hediger Award – WAZA’s highest honour for individual professional excellence
• WAZA Conservation Award – recognising measurable conservation impact
• WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award – highlighting innovative sustainability leadership
• NEW: WAZA Animal Welfare Award – honouring institutional leadership in animal welfare

This year marks the first-ever presentation of the Animal Welfare Award, reaffirming WAZA’s commitment to advancing conservation animal welfare globally.

Annual General Assembly (AGA)

The WAZA Annual General Assembly (AGA) will take place on 30 October 2025, 15:30–17:00 (UTC−05:00), at the InterContinental Cali (Avenida Colombia # 2‑72, Cali, 760044, Colombia).

We are exploring the option to provide free live streaming for members unable to attend, ensuring all voices can participate in shaping WAZA’s future.