Interview with David Field, WAZA President 2025–2027 

As WAZA celebrates its 90th anniversary and looks ahead to a decade of renewed purpose, we spoke with David Field about his vision for WAZA, his priorities for the years ahead, and what continues to inspire his commitment to our shared mission. 

You have just been elected President of WAZA. What does this role mean to you personally and professionally? 
David Field:  A challenge but a hugely exciting challenge. The role of zoos and aquariums is more important than ever before and conservation zoos and aquariums are accelerating our response. To be part of this community and to work alongside so many incredible individuals is inspiring, motivating and just a little but daunting.

What do you see as WAZA’s greatest opportunity in the next two years? 
David Field:  The WAZA Goals which set the benchmarks and ambitions for our community have been game changing. The forthcoming WAZA 2030 Conservation Goal can and will deliver greater conservation impact and greater recognition for the work modern zoos and aquariums do!

How do you envision strengthening collaboration across our global community of zoos and aquariums? 
David Field:  WAZA has just held its Annual Conference in Cali Zoo in Colombia. It was fantastic and allowed many more of our Latin American colleagues to participate. It was awesome to meet and learn from ALPZA and the value of being there in region proved its worth. WAZA needs to be globally present to be globally relevant!

Which aspect of conservation gives you the most hope right now? 
David Field:  That we can reverse the decline of species. The recent Red List downgrading of Scimitar horned oryx proves that and proves the incredible role that zoos can play. WAZA’s partnership with Reverse the Red in particular around the Species Pledge is going to deliver incredible conservation results.

What is one lesser-known fact about you that might surprise the WAZA community? 
David Field: I first started working in zoos when I was 12 at Dudley Zoo in the UK. An orangutan named Joe and a chimp named Koko change my life and I knew I wanted to work for animals to improve their lives in zoos and the wild. The power of zoos and aquariums to connect to nature! Koko has just passed – I want to make you proud Koko!

Looking Ahead 

Under David Field’s leadership, the 2025–2027 WAZA Council will guide the Association through an important period of renewal and opportunity. As WAZA continues to build on 90 years of collective action, the focus remains clear: uniting the global zoo and aquarium community to deliver meaningful impact for wildlife, people, and the planet. 

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for our new series, Meet Your WAZA Council 2025–2027, where we will introduce each member of the 2025–2027 Council.