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Celebrating Excellence – Announcing the Winners of the 2025 WAZA Awards
Posted: 3 November 2025
WAZA is delighted to share the results of the 2025 WAZA Awards, which were presented during the Gala Dinner of the 80th WAZA Annual Conference in Cali, Colombia, last Thursday.
Each year, WAZA celebrates excellence, leadership, and innovation across our global zoo and aquarium community through its prestigious awards, recognising individuals and institutions driving positive change for animals, people, and the planet.
In 2025, for the first time, four awards were presented: the WAZA Heini Hediger Award, the WAZA Conservation Award, the WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award, and the newly established WAZA Animal Welfare Award.
WAZA Animal Welfare Award 2025
This year, WAZA proudly introduced the inaugural Animal Welfare Award – the highest recognition for institutional leadership in animal welfare. The award celebrates an institution that demonstrates a comprehensive, science-based approach to animal welfare, combining innovation, compassion, and leadership to set an example for others to follow.
Three distinguished finalists were shortlisted: Melbourne Zoo (Australia), Lincoln Park Zoo (United States), and Toronto Zoo (Canada).
The panel of judges commended one institution for its impressive, holistic programme that considered both internal and external audiences and embraced technology to complement welfare assessment.
The winner of the inaugural WAZA Animal Welfare Award is the Toronto Zoo.
The award was presented by Dr Alejandro Grajal, Chair of the WAZA Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee, and received by Dolf De Jong, CEO of Toronto Zoo.
WAZA Conservation Award 2025
Marking its tenth year, the WAZA Conservation Award recognises an institution for an outstanding and comprehensive conservation programme delivering measurable outcomes for wildlife and ecosystems.
The three finalists for this year’s award were: Fundación Temaikèn (Argentina) for the Conservation of threatened endemic flora of San Ignacio, Misiones; North Carolina Zoo (United States) for its SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) Partnership; and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (United States) for its Wildlife Biodiversity Bank Programme.
After careful evaluation, the judges selected one project that particularly stood out for its strong scientific foundation, long-term commitment to habitat and species recovery, and meaningful partnership with government.
The winner of the 2025 WAZA Conservation Award is Fundación Temaikèn.
The award was presented by Dr Judy Mann, Chair of the WAZA Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Committee, and received by Sergio Guerra, CEO of Fundación Temaikèn.
The judges praised the project for demonstrating how plant conservation can drive broader biodiversity and landscape preservation, serving as a model for effective, science-based conservation.
WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award 2025
The WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award recognises institutions leading by example through innovative and comprehensive sustainability initiatives that reduce environmental impact and advance responsible operations.
This year’s finalists were The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (United Kingdom) and Seattle Aquarium (United States).
The judging panel highlighted one institution’s transparent and science-driven commitment to sustainable development, exemplified by the design and operation of a new facility achieving LEED Gold certification. The project set clear, measurable targets supported by a public performance dashboard and demonstrated leadership that extended beyond its facilities, influencing environmental policy, regional wildlife protection, and long-term sustainability.
The winner of the 2025 WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award is the Seattle Aquarium.
The award was accepted by Peggy Sloan, President and CEO of Seattle Aquarium, who also delivered an inspiring acceptance speech.
Heini Hediger Award 2025
The Heini Hediger Award is WAZA’s highest recognition for individual professional excellence, named in honour of the Swiss biologist known as the “father of zoo biology.” The award celebrates a lifetime of contribution to animal welfare, conservation, sustainability, and education.
This year’s nominations were exceptional, and after thoughtful deliberation, the judges unanimously selected one individual whose career has profoundly shaped the global zoo and aquarium community.
The winner of the 2025 Heini Hediger Award is Professor Theo B. Pagel.
From his early days as Curator of Birds at Cologne Zoo to his tenure as Director and CEO, Professor Theo B. Pagel has dedicated more than three decades to advancing conservation, education, and animal welfare. As WAZA President from 2019 to 2021, he guided the Association through the challenges of the pandemic and co-founded Reverse the Red together with the IUCN Species Survival Commission, inspiring collective action for species recovery worldwide.
Known for his integrity, humour, and generosity, Professor Pagel has earned admiration across generations for his scientific leadership and passion for conservation.
The award was presented by Karen Fifield MNZM, WAZA Immediate Past President.
These awards highlight the outstanding achievements and commitment of WAZA Members, whose dedication continues to strengthen our community’s impact on animal welfare, conservation, and sustainability across the globe.
Our warmest congratulations to all winners and finalists, and sincere thanks to the award judges and nominators for their thoughtful contributions.
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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