This Week's Headline Highlights

May 2, 2025

ZAA on WOSU-NPR!

We’re excited to share that our Executive Director, Dr. Kelly George, has been invited to appear on All Sides with Amy Juravich, a live, public affairs talk show on WOSU-NPR in Columbus, Ohio!

As part of their recurring series spotlighting fascinating individuals from the state of Ohio and their accomplishments, Kelly will discuss her work with the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) and how her time at Ohio State shaped her career path.

Tune in Live:

📅 Thursday, May 15th
🕚 11:40 AM ET
📻 WOSU-NPR

Conservation and More

Submissions are now being accepted for the ICZ Volunteer Grant for zoo professionals!

Read more

Scientists stunned after whales make extraordinary appearance far outside their natural waters: 'It's big news'

Read more

75 endangered right whales spotted in Massachusetts shipping lanes

Read more

April wolf map shows one animal has traveled more than 1,200 miles

Read more

German zoo unveils two recently born golden lion tamarins, a rare species still considered endangered

Read more

Tiger cubs spotted roaming Thailand's forest

Read more

Left alone by humans, wildlife returns to the Eaton Fire burn area

Read more

Trail cameras show mountain lion and wildlife repopulating wildfire zone in California

Read more

Rare osprey egg a sign species is 'fighting back'

Read more

Local team tracks elusive species returning to remote wilderness: 'Boosting conservation efforts and aiding population recovery'

Read more

Scientists flag disturbing trends emerging among large mammals: 'Animals are increasingly compelled ...'

Read more

Missouri's longest-lived animal driven to 'brink of extinction,' making slow comeback

Read more

Researchers stunned by rare sight caught on trail camera deep in African national park: 'We were all shocked'

Read more

First Asian elephant calf born through artificial insemination on view at Saint Louis Zoo

Read more

New and Upcoming Workshops

Virtual 4-Week Course: Ambassador Animal Training and Welfare

Thursdays: May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2025 | Online

Register here.

ZAA Professional Development Webinars 

Marine Mammals: Things I Have Learned From Them

May 14, 2025

Click here to register

Zookeepers: Boots on the Ground Wildlife Conservationists

June 4, 2025

Click here to register

Calling All Authors for ZAA’s Quarterly Magazine!

We invite you to contribute to ZAA's quarterly magazine! If you have a successful education or conservation program at your facility and want to share your work, we would love to hear from you.

Please note, we are not seeking opinion pieces; instead, we are looking for articles that highlight your facility's achievements and initiatives.

Interested in contributing? Fill out the form below to get started:

ZAA Magazine Contribution Form

Interested in featuring your ad in our magazine?

Take advantage of the opportunity to showcase your business, organization, or product in our quarterly magazine, reaching a dedicated and engaged audience in the industry.

With a variety of ad sizes and competitive rates, there's a perfect fit for everyone. Don't miss the chance to connect with our readers and make a lasting impression.

Click here to explore our ad rates and reserve your space today! Email us at membership@zooassociation.org

2025 ZAA Awards

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 ZAA Awards of Excellence!

These prestigious awards recognize outstanding achievements across a variety of categories including animal care, conservation, education, exhibit design, and species propagation. If your facility has led innovative projects or made a significant impact, we encourage you to apply and share your story.

Facilities of all sizes are encouraged to apply! Your application will be evaluated alongside submissions from similarly sized institutions. Every achievement matters, and excellence comes in all sizes.

Apply Today

Award Categories:

This is your chance to shine a light on your institution’s dedication, innovation, and passion. Join us in celebrating excellence across the zoological field - apply today!

First Call for Abstracts!

ZAA is pleased to announce the call for abstract submissions for papers and poster sessions for the 2025 Annual Conference, hosted in San Antonio, TX on October 1-4, 2025.

Selected papers and posters should focus on techniques, achievements, or innovative approach to animal care, husbandry, welfare, conservation, training, education, or research. Topics may also include business operations, such as management, marketing, volunteer programming, emergency preparedness, etc.

There are only 12 presentation slots available. This is your chance to showcase your expertise, share your insights, and stand out in the field. If you are selected as a presenter or for a poster, you will receive a reduced speaker registration rate for the conference. If you are selected to present a poster, we will ask for an updated abstract by September 15, 2025.

Abstract Submission Deadline: May 31st, 2025 (11:59pm EDT)

Click Here to Submit Your Abstract

Speakers will be notified regarding acceptance no later than July 1, 2025.

For more information, please visit zooassociation.org or contact us at info@zooassociation.org.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Virtual 4-Week Course: Ambassador Animal Training and Welfare

Thursdays: May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2025 | Online

Register Here

Reaching and Helping the Biting Parrot

May 18, 2025 From 1-3pm EST | Online

Register Here

MAZA Conference

June 17-19, 2025 | Dakota Zoo

Learn More Here

57th Annual Conference of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV)

August 23–29, 2025 | Kansas City, Mo

Learn More Here

Elephant Managers Association (EMA) Conference

October 5-8, 2025 | Fresno, CA

Learn More Here

Professional Contemporary Animal Training and Management Workshop

November 8-13, 2025 | In-Person

Register Here


Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group 2025 Conference - Field trip will be to Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park

November 19-21, 2025 | Mesa, AZ

Click here for more information.

Learn More Here

The events and workshops included in this communication are provided for informational purposes only. Their inclusion does not constitute endorsement or imply affiliation by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA).

This message was sent to you by the Zoological Association or America, info@zooassociation.org, 941-621-2021

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe from this list.