World Association Of Zoos And Aquariums:
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) recently suspended the membership of the Delhi Zoo over concerns about the treatment of its lone African elephant named Shankar.
- World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the umbrella organization for the World Zoo and Aquarium community.
- Established in 1935, it is the only organisation representing zoos and aquariums at the global level.
- WAZA’s mission is to guide, encourage, and support the zoos, aquariums, and like-minded organisations of the world in animal care and welfare, environmental education, and global conservation.
- Its members include leading zoos and aquariums, and regional and national Associations of Zoos and Aquariums, as well as some affiliate organizations, such as zoo veterinarians or zoo educators, from all around the world.
- Activities of WAZA are:
- Promoting cooperation between zoological gardens and aquariums in relation to the conservation, management, and breeding of animals in captivity.
- Encouraging highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry.
- Promoting and coordinating cooperation between national and regional associations and their constituents.
- Assist in representing zoological gardens and aquariums in other international organizations or assemblies.
- Promoting wildlife conservation, environmental research, and environmental education.
- WAZA has formed partnerships with leading international conservation organisations.
- Together, they are committed to tackling global issues such as the illegal wildlife trade, coral‑reef restoration, marine litter, sustainable palm oil and climate change.
