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WAZA Welcomes New Member - Natural Encounters, Inc.
Posted: 29 July 2025
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is pleased to welcome Natural Encounters, Inc., based in Florida, US, as a new Corporate Member.
Founded in 1991, Natural Encounters, Inc. brings over three decades of experience in animal behaviour, professional training, and educational programme production. The organisation has worked with more than 130 zoological facilities across 45 countries, helping to elevate animal welfare and deliver meaningful conservation messaging through world-class behaviour management, exhibit design, and public engagement.
WAZA CEO, Dr Martín Zordan said, “Natural Encounters, Inc. demonstrates the important role that behaviour expertise and immersive guest experiences can play in advancing animal welfare and supporting conservation. Their dedication to capacity building, science-based care, and global conservation reflects WAZA’s values, and we are pleased to welcome them to our community.”
Natural Encounters, Inc. plays an important role in professional development within the zoo and aquarium community by hosting annual training workshops at its Education Centre in Florida. It also produces educational podcasts, webinars, and conference presentations to share advanced behaviour change techniques that support animal agency, choice, and welfare.
Steve Martin, President and CEO of Natural Encounters, Inc. said, “We are proud to join WAZA, whose commitment to conservation, education, and animal welfare aligns with our own values. At Natural Encounters, we believe expert behavior management is essential to modern zoological care and extraordinary guest experiences are the cornerstone of our conservation and education objectives. We look forward to collaborating with like-minded organizations to advance these principles.”
Natural Encounters, Inc. is also a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
More information about Natural Encounters, Inc. may be found on their website.
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.
WAZA is a member of the following organisations:
