About WAZA Committees
WAZA’s Committees bring together dedicated professionals from across the global zoo and aquarium community to advise, support and implement strategic programmes based on WAZA Council’s priorities and operational plans.
- Association and Institution Members may join both Standing and Non-standing Committees.
- Affiliate, Corporate, Honorary, and Emeritus Members may join Non-standing Committees only.
WAZA Standing Committees
Committee for Population Management
WAZA CPM promotes global cooperation among Regional and National Associations for effective population management in zoos and aquariums. They also support capacity building, host and plan the Joint TAG Chairs Meeting, and enhance conservation impact through strategic alliances.
| Dolf DeJong | Chair & Voting member | The Toronto Zoo |
|---|---|---|
| Raymond Van der Meer | Vice-Chair & Voting member | European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) |
| Candice Dorsey | Vice-Chair & Voting member | Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) |
| James Reyes Biggs | Vice-Chair & Voting member | Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) |
| Christian Olaciregui | Voting member | Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA) |
| Tracy Rehse | Voting member | African Association for Wildlife in Human Care (AAWHC) |
| Christian Olaciregui | Voting member | Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA) |
| Kazutoshi Takami | Voting member | Japanese Association of Zoos & Aquariums (JAZA) |
| Wendy Chua | Voting member | Southeast Asian Association for Zoos and Aquariums (SEAZA) |
| Katelyn Mucha | Participating member | Species360 |
| Kristine Schad Eebes | Corresponding member | Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) |
| Kumiko Hara | Corresponding member | Japanese Association of Zoos & Aquariums (JAZA) |
| Alexandra Guerra | Corresponding member | Latin American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA) |
| Megan Brown | Corresponding member | Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) |
| Laurie Bingaman Lackey | Corresponding member | Advisor |
| William Van Lint | Corresponding member | European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) |
| John Andrews | Corresponding member | Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) |
| Elmar Fienieg | Corresponding member | European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) |
| Kristin Leus | Observer | CPSG Europe |
| Martín Zordan | Ex Officio | World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) |
| David Field | Ex Officio | WAZA President |
Ethics and Animal Welfare
The Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee (EAWC) advises the WAZA Council on best practices in animal welfare and ethical conduct. The Committee promotes member compliance with the WAZA Code of Ethics, the WAZA 2023 Animal Welfare Goal, and the WAZA Animal Welfare Strategy. It works collaboratively with global partners to enhance welfare standards, support continuous learning, and strengthen the community’s leadership in promoting positive animal welfare across zoos and aquariums worldwide.
| Sally Sherwen | Chair | Melbourne Zoo |
|---|---|---|
| Lance Miller | Vice-chair | Brookfield Zoo Chicago |
| April Adams | Member | European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) |
| Candice Dorsey | Member | Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) |
| Catalina Rodríguez | Member | Fundación Parque Jaime Duque |
| Claudia Tay | Member | Singapore Oceanarium |
| Dave Wehdeking | Member | Fundación Zoológica de Cali |
| Dave Powell | Member | St Louis Zoo |
| Grace Fuller | Member | Detroit Zoological Society |
| Jeff Ettling | Member | Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens |
| Justine Partoon | Member | Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) |
| Kevin Buley | Member | Auckland Zoo |
| Malcolm Fitzpatrick | Member | Zoological Society of London (London Zoo & Whipsnade Zoo) |
| Nina Trontti | Member | Korkeasaari Zoo |
| Timothy Van Loan | Member | The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens |
| Yumi Yamanashi | Member | Kyoto City Zoo |
| Simon Marsh | Observer | Wild Welfare |
| Martín Zordan | Ex Officio | World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) |
| David Field | Ex Officio | WAZA President |
Finance
The Finance Committee ensures WAZA’s long-term financial health and stability. It monitors operational revenues, expenses, accounts, and potential investments; reviews financial risks; and provides strategic financial advice to the Council. The Committee is also responsible for initiating and overseeing the annual audit process by selecting an appropriate, qualified audit entity. Through this governance role, the Committee safeguards WAZA’s financial integrity and supports transparent, responsible management of the Association’s resources.
| Lisa Peterson | Chair | Houston Zoo |
|---|---|---|
| Myfanwy Griffith | Member | European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) |
| Jimmy Chow | Member | Ocean Park Corporation |
| Rachel Haydon | Member | Orana Wildlife Park |
| Martín Zordan | Ex Officio | World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) |
| David Field | Ex Officio | WAZA President |
Membership
The Membership Committee supports the growth, value, and diversity of WAZA’s global membership. It regularly reviews membership applications, strengthens the application process, and advances membership retention and engagement in line with WAZA’s strategic priorities. Through its work, the Committee helps to ensure that the WAZA community remains strong, representative, and aligned with the highest standards of professionalism.
| Nicola Craddock | Chair | Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmed Al Harasi | Member | Al Ain Zoo |
| Alexandra Guerra | Member | Latin American Zoo & Aquarium Association (ALPZA) |
| Bonnie Mendoza | Member | Arizona Center for Nature Conservation / Phoenix Zoo |
| Eric Tsao | Member | Taipei Zoo |
| Jamie Christon | Member | Chester Zoo |
| Kevin Mills | Member | South Carolina Aquarium |
| Maria Clara Domínguez | Member | Fundación Zoológica de Cali |
| Pierre-Yves Bureau | Member | Paris Zoo (Parc zoologique de Paris - Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle) |
| Thomas Koelpin | Member | Wilhelma zoological and botanical garden Stuttgart |
| Martín Zordan | Ex Officio | World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) |
| David Field | Ex Officio | WAZA President |
Nominating
Chair: Karen Fifield, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo
The WAZA Nominations Committee has the responsibility to seek candidates for Council positions and verify their qualifications. For its work the committee has to liaise with regional associations, respect the WAZA demographics and coordinate with WAZA Council.
Note: The Nominating Committee only becomes active during council election year (next one will be in 2027)
WAZA Non-Standing Committees
Associations
The Associations Committee is responsible for the collegial dissemination of WAZA information to regional and national associations who are members of WAZA, and from those Associations to WAZA Council.
| Craig Hoover | Chair | Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) |
|---|---|---|
| Tina Maisonneuve | Member | Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) |
| Volker Homes | Member | Verband der Zoologischen Gaerten (VdZ, Association of Zoological Gardens) |
| Tracy Rehse | Member | African Association for Wildlife in Human Care (AAWHC) |
| Molly Gezella-Baranczyk | Member | American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) |
| Mara Marques | Member | Association of Zoos and Aquariums of Brazil (AZAB) |
| Jo Judge | Member | British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA) |
| Henrik Harold | Member | Danish Zoological Gardens & Aquaria (DAZA) |
| Myfanwy Griffith | Member | European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) |
| Cécile Erny | Member | French Association of Zoological Parks(AFdPZ) |
| Marie-Christine Kuypers | Member | German Society of Animal Parks (DTG) |
| Julia Maltzan | Member | German Wildlife Parks Association (DWV) |
| Beatriz Sainz | Member | Iberian Association of Zoos & Aquaria (AIZA) |
| Peter Van Der Schans | Member | International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) |
| Melinda Schlegel | Member | International Congress of Zookeepers (ICZ) |
| Sarah Thomas | Member | International Zoo Educators Association (IZE) |
| Cesare Avisani | Member | Italian Union fo Zoos and Aquariums (UIZA) |
| Kumiko Hara | Member | Japanese Association of Zoos & Aquariums (JAZA) |
| Alexandra Guerra | Member | Latin American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (ALPZA) |
| Kumar Pillai | Member | Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association (SEAZA) |
| Sandra Wilke | Member | Swedish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (SAZA) |
| David Nejedlo | Member | Union of Czech and Slovak Zoos (UCSZoos) |
| Nicola Craddock | Member | Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) |
| Martín Zordan | Ex Officio | World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) |
| David Field | Ex Officio | WAZA President |
Aquariums
The Aquariums Committee serves as a global forum for leaders from the aquarium community to address community-wide issues, share expertise, and collaborate on strategic priorities. The Committee focuses on advancing professional standards, developing community guidance, and strengthening the role of aquariums within WAZA. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, it supports excellence in aquarium operations, education, research, and conservation.
| Kevin Mills | Chair | South Carolina Aquarium |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Böye | Member | Loro Parque |
| Pablo Chavez | Member | Ripley's Aquariums |
| Arun Idoe | Member | Royal Burgers' Zoo |
| Robert Yordi | Member | SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi |
| Grant Abel | Member | Singapore Oceanarium |
| Lawrence (Larry) Oellermann | Member | South African Association for Marine Biological research (uShaka Sea World) |
| Judy Mann | Member | Two Oceans Aquarium |
| Clint Wright | Member | Vancouver Aquarium |
| Ahmad Nizam Zainudin | Member | Zoo Negara |
| Laura Simmons | Member | Cairns Marine |
| Martín Zordan | Ex Officio | World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) |
| David Field | Ex Officio | WAZA President |
Communications
The Communications Committee addresses the communication challenges faced by the global zoo and aquarium community and supports WAZA members in communicating effectively with diverse audiences. Guided by WAZA’s strategic priorities, the Committee develops tools, resources, and approaches to strengthen public engagement, enhance member communication capacity, and maximise the impact of collective messaging across the community.
| Sanna Hellström | Chair | Korkeasaari Zoo |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Hall | Member | British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA) |
| Cécile Erny | Member | Association Française des Parcs Zoologiques (AFdPZ) |
| Danielle Henry | Member | Perth Zoo |
| Gareth Siddorn | Member | Chester Zoo |
| Kumar Pillai | Member | Southeast Asian Association for Zoos and Aquariums (SEAZA) |
| Laura Minns | Member | Taronga Conservation Society Australia |
| Louise Gordon | Member | Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (Johannesburg Zoo) |
| Tina Maisonneuve | Member | Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) |
| Melissa Correa | Member | Parque das Aves |
| Nicola Craddock | Member | Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) |
| Ryan Michalesko | Member | International Crane Foundation |
| Sarah Fedele | Member | Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) |
| Shawn Dixon | Member | San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance |
| Tomasz Rusek | Member | European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) |
| Helen Lockhart | Member | Two Oceans Aquarium |
| Martín Zordan | Ex Officio | World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) |
| David Field | Ex Officio | WAZA President |
Conservation
The Conservation Committee works to advance the role of WAZA and its members in global biodiversity conservation. The Committee develops internal conservation goals and guidelines, strengthens WAZA’s strategic partnerships, and provides leadership on community-wide conservation initiatives. Key priorities for the upcoming term include developing and implementing the WAZA 2030 Conservation Goal, reviewing the WAZA Conservation Strategy, and advancing recommendations on how WAZA members can maximise conservation impact locally and globally.
| Sonja Luz | Chair | Mandai Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Danny De Man | Vice-chair | European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) |
| Amy Chabot | Member | Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) |
| Andrew Mooney | Member | Dublin Zoo |
| Elizabeth (Lisa) Kelley | Member | Saint Louis Zoo |
| Fiona Sach | Member | Zoological Society of London (London Zoo & Whipsnade Zoo) |
| Georgia Garrard | Member | Melbourne Zoo |
| Gianne Montelibano | Member | The Green Planet |
| Grainne McCabe | Member | Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo |
| James Reyes Biggs | Member | Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) |
| Jason Fischer | Member | Disney's Animals, Science and Environment |
| Jens Ove Heckel | Member | Zoo Landau |
| Ken Nakamura | Member | Ueno Zoological Gardens/Japanese Association of Zoos & Aquariums (JAZA) |
| Mike Jordan | Member | Loro Parque |
| Nadine Lamberski | Member | San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance |
| Robert Arango L | Member | Fundación Zoológica de Cali |
| Sara Stevens | Member | Al Ain Zoo |
| Martín Zordan | Ex Officio | World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) |
| David Field | Ex Officio | WAZA President |
Environmental Sustainability
The Environmental Sustainability Committee supports WAZA members in strengthening their contribution to environmental sustainability and reinforcing the role of zoos and aquariums as conservation organisations. The Committee develops and consolidates practical tools, guidance, and resources to help members reduce their environmental footprint and implement effective sustainability practices. Through strategic collaboration with partners, it works to amplify the collective environmental impact of the global zoo and aquarium community.
| Simon Dowell | Chair | Chester Zoo |
|---|---|---|
| Helen Lockhart | Vice-chair | Two Oceans Aquarium |
| Amna Alotaiba | Member | Al Ain Zoo |
| Andrew Fischer | Member | SSA Group |
| Belinda Fairbrother | Member | Taronga Conservation Society Australia |
| Claudine Gibson | Member | Auckland Zoo |
| Daniel Lawse | Member | Verdis Group |
| Debborah Luke | Member | The Florida Aquarium |
| Julia Hanuliakova | Member | Zoo Liberec |
| Kim McIntyre | Member | Monterey Bay Aquarium |
| Maria Clara Domínguez | Member | Fundación Zoológica de Cali |
| Nicole Chaney | Member | Cheyenne Mountain Zoo |
| Roger Sweeney | Member | Woodland Park Zoo |
| Rohaya Saharom | Member | Mandai Wildlife Group |
| Cristal Torres DeHerrera | Member | Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance |
| Martín Zordan | Ex Officio | World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) |
| David Field | Ex Officio | WAZA President |
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.
