ZAA [Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia] recently held their 2021 conference and awards online to, "recognise progress, innovation and to celebrate sector excellence from zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South Pacific Islands. Twelve awards were presented for 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." The 12 awards went to the following facilities, initiatives and individuals. Congratulations to all involved. There are videos attached under each award explaining more about each recipient [Conference Awards recognise zoo and aquarium excellence]
Conservation Award, Large Organisation: Zoos Victoria, Bogong moth and mountain pygmy-possum conservation
Conservation Award, Small Organisation: Rainbow Springs Nature Park (NZ), The national kiwi hatchery
Engagement Award, Small Organisation: Port Moresby Nature Park (PNG), Snaketastic program
Engagement Award, Small Organisation: Territory Wildlife Park, Artists in the park program
Engagement Award, Large Organisation: Taronga Conservation Society Australia, HATCH program
Sustainability Award: Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Taronga Sustainability Scorecard
Exhibit Award, Large Organisation, Large Development: Auckland Zoo, South-east Asia Jungle Track
Exhibit Award, Large Organisation, Small Development: Symbio Wildlife Park, Tasmanian devil and echidna enclosures
Exhibit Award, Small Organisation, Small Development: Port Moresby Nature Park (PNG), Reptile Haus
ZAA Meritorious Award: Amanda Embury, contribution to the ZAA Animal Management Committee and Species Management Program
ZAA Meritorious Award: Simone Vitali, contribution to the ZAA Veterinary Advisory Group
Employee of the Year Award: Sherly Yeates, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Conservation Award, Large Organisation: Zoos Victoria, Bogong moth and mountain pygmy-possum conservation
Conservation Award, Small Organisation: Rainbow Springs Nature Park (NZ), The national kiwi hatchery
Engagement Award, Small Organisation: Port Moresby Nature Park (PNG), Snaketastic program
Engagement Award, Small Organisation: Territory Wildlife Park, Artists in the park program
Engagement Award, Large Organisation: Taronga Conservation Society Australia, HATCH program
Sustainability Award: Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Taronga Sustainability Scorecard
Exhibit Award, Large Organisation, Large Development: Auckland Zoo, South-east Asia Jungle Track
Exhibit Award, Large Organisation, Small Development: Symbio Wildlife Park, Tasmanian devil and echidna enclosures
Exhibit Award, Small Organisation, Small Development: Port Moresby Nature Park (PNG), Reptile Haus
ZAA Meritorious Award: Amanda Embury, contribution to the ZAA Animal Management Committee and Species Management Program
ZAA Meritorious Award: Simone Vitali, contribution to the ZAA Veterinary Advisory Group
Employee of the Year Award: Sherly Yeates, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary