The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has partnered with United Nations (UN) Environment to help raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade. The unique programme, which was launched on World Wildlife Day on 3 March, provides kids packs to young fliers on Kenyan Airways flights.

The Barcelona City Council on 14 February gave initial approval to an amendment that aims to severely regulate the Barcelona Zoo, reducing the institution down to 11 species and calling for the transfer or relocation of the nearly 2,000 animals that remain to sanctuaries or rescue centres. The amendment also requires Barcelona Zoo to resign from all national and international membership associations, including WAZA. Below is WAZA’s open letter:


On Global Tiger Day, we, the undersigned organizations affirm our commitment to the protection and preservation of wild tigers, are committed to working in collaboration with governments across the globe, and in particular tiger range countries, to assure a future for tigers in the wild.

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) believes the Thomas Cook travel agency failed to consider the significant global conservation impact of SeaWorld and Loro Parque, as well as their continued dedication to high levels of welfare for animals in their care, when it announced this week that it would no longer include the marine parks in its travel packages.

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) embarked on a new phase in its 83-year history this week with the relocation of the Executive Office to Barcelona, Spain. WAZA had been based in Gland, Switzerland, since 2010.

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) stepped boldly into the international arena as it agreed to organise a Global Species Congress to address the conservation and extinction crises, committed to sustainable forestry guidelines, and voted to close one of Thailand’s most notorious zoos…

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has become an official member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), emphasising its commitment to sustainable solutions that protect the environment. WAZA now has the ability to vote on behalf of the world’s leading zoos and aquariums on issues central to RSPO such as deforestation, conservation, fair labour practices, and transparency, among others.