Innsbruck, 05 November 2025 - Alpenzoo Innsbruck is once again part of the international community of progressive zoos and aquariums this year: For the 90th anniversary of the World Zoo Association (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums - WAZA), the director of the Alpenzoo Dr André Stadler virtually at the 80th WAZA Annual Conference 2025 which was organised for the first time this year at Cali Zoo in Colombia.
The anniversary conference was all about nine decades of global co-operation in the areas of Species conservation, education, animal welfare and scientific progress. Representatives from all over the world - from zoos and aquariums to regional and national associations - came together to discuss current challenges and future strategies for the protection of biodiversity.
Global issues - shared responsibility
The conference focussed on current topics such as
- „The Zoo as a Living Lab in the Anthropocene: New Pathways for Impactful Research“ - Zoos as research laboratories of the future
- „Zoos and Global Conservation Institutions“ - Strategic partnerships in international species conservation
- „Global Trends in Creative Exhibit Design“ - Innovative ways of presenting animals
- „Future Proofing our Sector“ - The next generation of zoo and aquarium professionals
- „Disease Outbreaks in a Connected World“ - Global health risks and resilience
- „Wildlife Trafficking: Global Coordination & Local Realities“ - International cooperation against wildlife trafficking
- „Cryopreservation for Species Recovery“ - Biobanking as a key technology in species conservation
A particular highlight was the New edition of the WAZA animal welfare strategy (World Zoo and Aquarium Animal Welfare Strategy 2025). This landmark document provides a Scientifically sound and practice-orientated basis for promoting animal welfare in zoological institutions worldwide.
Dr Stadler: „Global cooperation is crucial“
Alpine Zoo Director Dr André Stadler emphasises the importance of such international platforms:
„The challenges in species and animal protection are global and can only be overcome together. The WAZA conference offers us the opportunity to learn from each other, create synergies and develop innovative approaches for research, education and sustainability.“
He takes away important impulses for the work of the Alpine Zoo from the conference:
- New approaches in educational work, to further sensitise visitors to species protection and biodiversity
- Current findings on the Animal Welfare Strategy (Animal Welfare Strategy 2025) and their implementation in European zoos
- Ideas for sustainable exhibition and enclosure designs, that combine animal welfare, visitor experience and environmental awareness
To the Anniversary video The Alpine Zoo also contributed to the WAZA's report on “90 Years of Impact - The Power of Community Action”. It is important to the Alpine Zoo to actively contribute to WAZA and to keep the zoo up to date, as well as to promote the protection of species and animals.
“The Alpenzoo will also fully support WAZA's new Animal Welfare Strategy and apply it to its operations in order to ensure the well-being of our animal inhabitants in line with the latest state of knowledge,” emphasises Stadler.
The Alpine Zoo and the WAZA
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global umbrella organisation for scientifically managed zoos and aquariums. Since its foundation in Basel in 1935, WAZA has promoted international exchange, scientific research and the protection of endangered animal species.
The Alpenzoo has been a WAZA member since 1979. This year, the members Dr Stadler on the WAZA Council for the 3rd time and represents Region II: Europe & Middle East together with colleagues from the UK and Finland.
Further links:
- WAZA Animal Welfare Strategy - Animal Welfare Strategy 2025: https://www.waza.org/priorities/waza-code-of-ethics/animal-welfare-strategies/
- 90th WAZA Annual Conference: https://waza2025.org/
- WAZA anniversary video: 90 Years of Impact. The Power of Collective Action
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqdHgSQJlJ0&list=PLmZMc5CDX8hOuLMQOKy84yDBbQe2ffecc
- Video Credit: WAZA 90-Year Legacy Video, with footage from WAZA members around the world and edited by Akupara Film&Photo.
- WAZA Councillors: https://www.waza.org/about-waza/waza-council/
