Zoo and Aquarium Association conference awards recognise excellence

November 9, 2021

The Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) has presented its annual awards, provided a chance for the Association to recognise progress, innovation and to celebrate sector excellence from zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.

Presented during the recent online ZAA Conference and Awards 2021 - with over 300 delegates connected - 12 awards were presented across six categories, including the Conservation, Engagement, Sustainability, Exhibit, Employee of the Year and ZAA Meritorious Awards, which highlight some of the incredible contributions of ZAA members to our planet, wildlife and communities.

ZAA advised that this year’s submissions were of a very high standard and were judged to a specific set of criteria by a panel of judges across the membership in addition to an external judge.

The awards presented this year were created by people with a range of disabilities working at Lasercraft Australia.

Lasercraft’s vision is to provide supported employment for people living with disabilities. Today, they are proud to have trained and supported hundreds of people living with disabilities, making a genuine difference in their lives and the lives of their families and carers. Through training and the use of the latest technology their supported employees are able to manufacture quality awards, plaques, and business products and ship to anywhere in Australia and New Zealand.

The 2021 ZAA Awards were presented to:

Conservation Award
Small organisation
In recognition of outstanding achievement in biodiversity conservation
Rainbow Springs Nature Park
The National Kiwi Hatchery

Conservation Award
Large organisation
In recognition of outstanding achievement in biodiversity conservation
Zoos Victoria
Bogong moth and mountain pygmy-possum conservation

Sustainability Award
In recognition of outstanding achievement in environmental sustainability
Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Taronga Sustainability Scorecard

Engagement Award
Small organisation
In recognition of outstanding achievement in community engagement
Port Moresby Nature Park
Snaketastic Program

Engagement Award
Small organisation
In recognition of outstanding achievement in community engagement
Territory Wildlife Park
Artists in the Park Program

Engagement Award
Large organisation
In recognition of outstanding achievement in community engagement
Taronga Conservation Society Australia
HATCH Program

Employee of the Year Award
In recognition of outstanding achievement of an individual in support of good zoos
Sheryl Yeates
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Exhibit Award
Small organisation, small development
In recognition of outstanding achievement in animal housing and exhibit design
Port Moresby Nature Park
Reptile Haus

Exhibit Award
Large organisation, small development
In recognition of outstanding achievement in animal housing and exhibit design
Symbio Wildlife Park
Tasmanian Devil and Echidna Habitats

Exhibit Award
Large organisation, large development
In recognition of outstanding achievement in animal housing and exhibit design
Auckland Zoo
Southeast Asia Jungle Track

ZAA Meritorious Award
In recognition of an individual’s extraordinary contribution to the ZAA Membership
Amanda Embury
Contribution to the ZAA Animal Management Committee and Species Management Program.

ZAA Meritorious Award
In recognition of an individual’s extraordinary contribution to the ZAA Membership
Simone Vitali
Contribution to the ZAA Veterinary Advisory Group.

Image: Orangutan in Auckland Zoo's Southeast Asia Jungle Track.

5th November 2021 - Zoos SA celebrate multiple South Australian Tourism Awards

29th October 2021 - Penrith City Council and Sydney Zoo partnership helps to feed animals

26th October 2021 - Victorian Zoos reopen with sell out ticket allocations

17th October 2021 - Zoos SA launches wild wellness program

22nd September 2021 - Strict conditions apply to bovid imports approved for Australian zoos

13th September 2021 - Taronga Western Plains Zoo secures its position as conservation powerhouse

30th August 2021 - Victoria’s Zoos powered by 100% renewable energy

14th August 2021 - WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo celebrates World Lizard day

3rd August 2021 - Zoo and Aquarium Association conference commences as an online event

19th July 2021 - Australia Zoo opens new inclusive Changing Places facility

12th July 2021 - Coinvestor in Elanor Wildlife Park Fund takes major stake in Hunter Valley Zoo

23rd June 2021 - Rockhampton Zoo to launch new chimpanzee encounter

21st May 2021 - 20-year masterplan released for Perth Zoo

11th March 2021 - Federal Government’s tourism package includes six-month extension of Zoos and Aquarium program

22nd September 2021 - Monarto Safari Park marks World Rhino Day

27th August 2021 - Work continues on Monarto Safari Park’s Visitor Centre

30th March 2020 - New Auckland Zoo habitat welcomes return of Orangutans

28th April 2019 - Melbourne Zoo orangutan makes second escape

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.