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Join WAZA’s 81st Annual Conference
Date: 25 – 29 October 2026
Cologne Zoo, Germany
We are pleased to invite you to join us at the 81st WAZA Annual Conference, taking place from 25–29 October 2026 in Cologne, Germany.
Following our gathering in Cali, we now come together in Europe, hosted by Cologne Zoo, one of the continent’s most historic and forward-looking zoological institutions.
This year’s conference is held under the theme:
Stewards of Tomorrow: Purpose, Direction, and Global Responsibility
A collective moment to shape shared direction with purpose, and drive global conservation impact.
A moment to reflect, connect, and lead together as a global community.
Registration Now Open
Registration is now open via the conference website: https://www.waza2026.
We strongly encourage you to register early to benefit from reduced fees:
- Early registration: until 30 June 2026
- Standard rate: 1 July – 31 August
- Late rate: 1 September – 23 October
If you have any questions regarding
A Gathering Not to Miss
“Cologne is lively, Cologne is vibrant, Cologne connects people. And so does its zoo. We warmly invite you to join us… an unforgettable and productive event featuring inspiring lectures, hands-on workshops, engaging discussions, and an attractive social and evening programme.”
— Prof Theo B. Pagel & Christopher Landsberg, Cologne Zoo CEO and CFO
“As we gather in Cologne, the conference will offer a collective moment to reflect, connect, and lead together as stewards of tomorrow — shaping shared direction with purpose, reinforcing our global responsibility, and strengthening the leadership role of our community in a rapidly changing world.”
— David Field, WAZA President
Travel Grants Application Now Open
Travel grants applications are open for WAZA Affiliate, Association, and Institution Members in good standing.
Grants are designed to support members with demonstrated financial need and may contribute to accommodation, flights, visa applications, and other travel-related expenses.
Deadline: 22 May 2026, 17:00 CEST (GMT+2)
Grantees will be notified in June.
Travel Planning: Book Early and Prepare Now
To support your planning, we recommend preparing travel arrangements in advance:
- Accommodation: Explore recommended hotels via the Plan Your Trip section on the conference website
- Visa requirements: These vary by nationality — please check whether a visa is required for entry into Germany
- Visa invitation letters: Available upon request via waza2026@koelnerzoo.de (
for registered participants)
Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing further details on keynote speakers, programme highlights, and special moments that will shape this year’s conference. In the meantime, we invite you to explore the conference website, discover what is already taking shape, and secure your place.
This is a gathering not only to attend, but to help define what comes next.
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:
