Last week, the Two Oceans Aquarium hosted the 24th Annual PAAZAB Conference and AGM at Club Mykonos in Langebaan.
PAAZAB is the African Association for Zoos and Aquaria, and it brings together facilities from across Africa, and even from Europe and the United States. The conference was attended by 73 delegates, representing facilities such as the Johannesburg Zoo; the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (Pretoria Zoo); uShaka Marine World; East London Zoo and Aquarium; Butterfly World; Cango Wildlife Ranch; Uganda Wildlife; the Montecasino Bird Park; Bloemfontein Zoo; The Lion Park; the Natal Zoological Gardens; Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary; Cheetah Outreach; Action for Cheetah Kenya; Cheetah Experience; Giza Zoo Egypt; Pafos Zoo Cyprus, Kumasi Zoo Ghana; and Mitchell Park Zoo.
Day one of the conference definitely set the bar very high. The day kicked off with Dr Jörg Junhold, president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, delivering the opening address. Professor George Branch from the Univeristy of Cape Town’s Marine Research Institute followed, and his fascinating and highly informative talk on the two oceans highlighted the reasons why South Africa’s coastline is such a unique marine ecosystem. Bernard Harrison gave an inspiring presentation on “How zoos and aquariums may help to save the world”.
The afternoon presentations were all good news stories about how zoos and aquariums have a role to play in the conservation of and caring for wildlife, and how partnerships are vital for the ensured survival of many endangered species. Our assistant curator, Claire Taylor, presented the seal disentanglement project, which she and Vincent Calder have been involved in over the last five years.
The next two days followed the impressive trend set on day one. Fascinating talks, invaluable interaction and information-sharing abounded. An engaging café conversation had delegates discussing and debating operational standards for zoos and aquariums. During the tea and lunch breaks, delegates would meet in smaller groups and discuss the talks that had taken place. The amount of information shared was bettered only by the passion of the presenters.
The conference wrapped up with a traditional gala dinner. At the dinner, various certificates and prizes were awarded. The certificate for Best Paper at the Conference was awarded to the Aquarium’s very own Tinus Beukes (operations manager), whose talk on QR codes and technological advances reminded everyone that in order for their facilities to move forward, they have to keep up with the digital age.
The Bernard Harrison and Friends Award for Best Personal Development was awarded to Delecia Gunn for her work with southern ground hornbills.
The PAAZAB Conservation Award went to none other than the Penguin Promises campaign. This was very significant as the Waddlers were heading out on their second last day of the Waddle … and it was International Penguin Day!
This is what some of the delegates had to say:
“It is hard to establish whether a conference is successful when you are right in the middle of it yourself, but judging from the compliments my staff and I have been receiving, this conference was a great success.” – Michael Farquhar (Two Oceans Aquarium curator).
“Apart from being the best conference ever, I do believe that Conference 2013 will long be remembered for the total commitment of the PAAZAB community to animal welfare and conservation initiatives. I am humbled and privileged to be integrally involved with the PAAZAB community going forward.” – John Werth (PAAZAB quality assurance and training coordinator)
“The conference was awesome, from the registration before arrival to our departure, from before any of us had lifted our heads off the pillow to well into the night after we all had returned our head to the pillow. Thank you to Michael and the entire team at Two Oceans. This is one to be remembered and a privilege to have been part of it.” – Mark Howitt (Head: Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre)
“A most inspirational conference where members from zoos and aquaria from the African continent joined to share ideas around being zoos and aquaria of the future. The importance of biodiversity conservation was a common theme throughout the conference, as well as the increasing need for greater involvement from zoos and aquaria in biodiversity conservation to make a measurable difference.” – Dr Stephen van der Spuy (PAAZAB executive director)
We would like to thank all our exceptional exhibitors and sponsors, who contributed to making this conference such a great success:
- Agua Africa
- Animal Handling Support Systems
- African Organics
- Dyer Island Conservation Trust
- Deep Blue Aquatic Systems
- Kyron Laboratories
- Snapper Display
- Lomaen Medical Pty Ltd
- The Aquarium Shop
- Shoreline Café
- Two Oceans Wines
- EOH Microsoft Coastal
- Postwink Recycling
- Send & Receive
- Wine of the Month
- Highbury Safika Media
- Medical Matters
- Glaceau Vitamin Water
- SoyLites
- RainAfrica
- Distell
- Peacock
- KS Promotions
- V&A Waterfront
- C2 Digital
- Mason COS
- The Body Shop
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