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Cologne Zoo to Host the 81st WAZA Annual Conference in 2026
Posted: 31 October 2025
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is delighted to announce that the 81st WAZA Annual Conference will be hosted by Cologne Zoo, Germany, from 25 to 29 October 2026.
The announcement was made during the Annual General Assembly of the 80th WAZA Annual Conference, held in Cali, Colombia, on 30 October 2025. During the assembly, Prof Theo B. Pagel, Director of Cologne Zoo and WAZA President (2019–2021), was officially passed the torch as host of the next annual conference.
The 2026 conference will mark a symbolic return of WAZA’s global gathering to Europe, following the 77th Annual Conference hosted by Loro Parque in Tenerife, Spain, in 2022.
A Celebration of Heritage and Leadership
The upcoming conference will take place at Cologne Zoo – a milestone that connects WAZA’s global mission with one of Europe’s oldest and most respected zoological institutions. Founded in 1860, Cologne Zoo has become an international leader in species conservation, animal welfare, and scientific research.
Today, the zoo cares for around 12,000 animals from nearly 800 species, including 160 species listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Since 2010, Cologne Zoo has contributed about € 3 million to global conservation projects and remains active in more than 30 field initiatives worldwide – from Cologne to Vietnam.
Under the leadership of Prof Theo B. Pagel, Director of Cologne Zoo and WAZA President for the term 2019–2021, the zoo’s German-Vietnamese field research team has discovered over 150 new vertebrate species, mainly reptiles and amphibians, and continues to pioneer ex situ and in situ conservation for threatened species such as the crocodile-tailed lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) and psychedelic rock gecko (Cnemaspis psychedelica).
Every year Cologne Zoo welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors, making it one of the most visited attractions in the region – second only to Cologne’s iconic Cathedral (the Kölner Dom). Beyond its scientific and conservation achievements, the zoo plays a vital role in educating and inspiring millions to care for wildlife and act for nature, demonstrating how public engagement and science-based conservation can work hand in hand to protect the planet’s biodiversity.
Innovation and Global Impact
In 2024, Cologne Zoo and the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) launched the first Centre for Species Survival (CSS) in Germany, expanding the zoo’s commitment to science-based conservation. The Centre focuses on Asian songbirds and wild pig species, advancing the One Plan Approach by connecting zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, museums, and NGOs to develop joint species recovery actions.
A Gathering to Shape the Future
The 81st WAZA Annual Conference will bring together global leaders in conservation, zoo and aquarium management, science, and policy to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and celebrate WAZA’s collective achievements.
With the city of Cologne’s rich history and the zoo’s visionary leadership, the 2026 conference promises to be an unforgettable gathering – one that honours the past while looking decisively towards the future of our shared mission.
Prof Theo B. Pagel, Director of Cologne Zoo and former WAZA President, said:
“The whole team of Cologne Zoo is looking forward to welcome the representatives of the leading zoos and aquariums of the world. As a long time member we are commited to global collaboration in the sense of the One Plan Approach to Reverse the Red.”
Martín Zordan, Chief Executive Officer of WAZA, said:
“We are thrilled to see Cologne Zoo host the 81st WAZA Annual Conference. Cologne Zoo’s leadership, innovation, and long-standing dedication to conservation embody the very values WAZA stands for. This conference will be a unique opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate our collective progress, and strengthen the partnerships that drive our impact for wildlife worldwide.”
We look forward to welcoming the global zoo and aquarium community to Cologne, Germany, in October 2026 for this celebration of heritage and leadership.
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:
