Plastic Disaster WAZA Executive Office Staff

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Chief Executive Officer Doug Cress [email protected] Director of Animal Welfare Sabrina Brando [email protected] Director of Communications Gavrielle Kirk-Cohen [email protected] Director of Conservation Martín Zordan [email protected] Director of Membership Janet Ho [email protected] Director of Education Isaac Mujaasi [email protected] Director of Operations Catriona Meehan [email protected] WAZA Nature Connect Programme Dr Stephanie Sanderson [email protected] Imprint

Editor: Gavrielle Kirk-Cohen, WAZA WAZA Executive Office Contacts Layout and typesetting: Michal Stránský • [email protected] Postal Address WAZA Executive Office Carrer de Roger de Llúria 2, 2-2 Edition: 800 copies 08010 Barcelona © WAZA 2018 Spain Phone +34 936 638 811 This edition E-mail [email protected] of WAZA News is also available on Website www.waza.org www.waza.org Facebook www.facebook.com/officialWAZA Twitter twitter.com/WAZA

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Future WAZA Conferences

2019: Fundación Temaikèn, Buenos Aires, Argentina – 3–7 November 2019 2020: San Diego Zoo, San Diego, USA 2021: Moscow Zoo, Moscow, Russia 2022: Loro Parque, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Cover photo: Hawaiian monk seal caught in fishing tackle off Kure Atoll, Pacific Ocean. The seal was subse- quently freed and released by the photographer. © Michael Pitts / NaturePL

ISSN: 1662-7733 Editorial Doug Cress WAZA Chief Executive Officer

When WAZA announced agreements at the 72nd Conference in Berlin that would compel at least half our members to eliminate single-use plastic from their supply chains and commit to using only products that included certified sustainable palm oil products by 2023, there was an air of uncertainty in the room.

Too ambitious, said some. Too soon, said others. The zoo and aquarium community doesn’t move that fast, we were told, and five years passes quicker than you think.

Now, just one year after signing those Memorandums of Understanding with United Nations Environment and the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, I am wondering if we weren’t being too cautious. Many members of the WAZA community are already well down the line addressing issues such as marine litter and plastics and sustainable palm oil, while others are building net-zero-energy facilities, recycling water and converting to solar power. In so doing, they have laid out a road map for WAZA and its members to follow towards 2023.

This WAZA News focuses on sustainability in all its forms, and highlights the good work done by leading zoos and aquariums around the world. The Sustain- able Development Goals (SDGs) that were launched by the United Nations in 2016 offer a global framework that commits the world to some hard targets by 2030, a challenging but necessary pathway designed to “end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all”. Now it’s up to WAZA and its members to find areas of strength and focus in the SDGs, and take up leadership positions in this movement.

Some of the SDGs might seem an easy fit for the WAZA community, such as those that address issues of conservation on land or under water, or partnerships or even climate change. But what about sustainable cities? Innovative infrastructure? Gender equality? Education? Can WAZA and its members stretch far enough to lead there too?

I believe that we can. Sustainability is not a choice but a commitment, and it’s clear from the remarkable achievements of zoos and aquariums around the world that we are already well on our way.

1 President’s Letter The Dr Jenny Gray WAZA President Plastics

We live on an improbably beautiful planet, Problem teeming with extraordinary life.

The joy of working in aquariums and zoos Plastic is everywhere: from cars is that we get to know the full diversity of and planes, which are by volume life, at an individual level. When you think about 50%, to clothes made of and work at a scale of ecosystems and polyester and nylon, to the adhe- herds, it is easy to feel disconnected from sive seal on most teabags. Every the environment. But when you get up close to animals, a bit of magic happens. year, we produce around 300 mil- You get to see the individual animal, with their unique traits and personality, the lion tonnes of plastic waste. That’s features that make a fish different from a snake or a rhino. nearly equivalent to the weight of the entire human population. When you get really close to a rhinoceros, the first thing that strikes you is the Only 9% of all plastic waste ever texture of their skin, thick and rutted, almost prehistoric. Yet, they have silky, produced has been recycled. About soft skin behind their ears and on their inner thighs. If you scratch behind their 12% has been incinerated, while ears, they lean in and rumble with pleasure. The tips of their ears are covered in the rest – 79% – has accumulated coarse hairs, and their ears twitch when you talk. Rhinoceroses move carefully; in landfills, dumps or the natural each step is deliberate and gentle. When they sneeze, they blow out snot and environment. Of that, an astound- bits of straw. Their heads are heavy and ideal for eating heaps of grass. Babies ing 8 million tonnes of plastic ends romp and skip, but after a few years gravity slows them down. They defecate in up in the world’s oceans every middens, providing food and shelter for many other animals. year. If current trends continue, our oceans could contain more plastic Every rhinoceros is so much more than a horn. They are mothers and fathers, than fish by 2050. they have friends and families. They roll in mud and create dust clouds when they run. They open up grasslands and knock down trees, gently and continu- Plastic pollution was the focus of ously shaping the environment. When you get close to a rhinoceros, you can this year’s United Nations (UN) appreciate the entire animal, and it is just inconceivable that you would harm World Environment Day, with the such a magnificent creature. UN calling on people everywhere to take concrete steps to #Beat- But, for many people, rhinoceroses are just a horn; and our work is to reverse PlasticPollution. WAZA members these perceptions. By putting people close to animals, we create bonds and are taking a stand against plastic connections. The sustainability of the extraordinary life on our fragile planet pollution and are helping to create depends on deepening our understanding of threats and empowering behav- awareness about the problem, as iour change. well as taking decisive action to combat the rising tide of plastic As aquariums and zoos, we must be brave and tackle global issues, such as pollution. palm oil, marine litter and recycling. We must also be brave to tackle local issues, such as the power we consume and the plastic in our supply chain. Around the world, our WAZA members are engaging their communities in the wonder of animals and sharing the steps we need to take to reduce the risk of extinction in the future.

I hope you enjoy these brave stories of hope and change.

2 Theme of issue

Sustainable Development Goals Doug Cress WAZA

The great challenge of the twenty‑first century Some WAZA members are already well down the path towards sustainability. is to raise people everywhere to a decent stand- Wellington Zoo (New Zealand) is the world’s first Carbon Zero certified zoo – ard of living while preserving as much of meaning that any carbon emissions are cancelled out by reducing, reusing the rest of life as possible. and recycling, while the Oregon Zoo (USA) saves 12 million gallons of water Edward O. Wilson each year through recycling and collecting rainwater.

“Sustainability” is a complex concept. Fortunately, the Sustainable Develop- The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood United Nations (UN) negotiators spent ment Goals (SDGs) were launched in Watch programme has played a major four years working on language that 2016 as a pathway forward to end pov- role in informing consumer demand could represent a global commitment erty, protect the planet and ensure that and protecting fragile species since to protect humanity and the planet, all people enjoy peace and prosperity 1999, and Wildlife Reserves Singapore but “sustainable development” is as by 2030. And even though some confu- is working to eliminate all single‑use difficult to grasp today as ever. Does sion remains as to who bears responsi- plastic – including bags, bottles and cellphone recycling count? What about bility for achieving each of the 17 goals, straws – at its four parks. a ban on plastic straws? Rainforests the good news is this: every act, every have to be the priority, right? Should action and every achievement counts. Many other zoos and aquariums have we all go vegan? similar programmes, and all of these WAZA and its global membership are mirror activities and meet targets The UN loosely defined the term as uniquely placed to take up leadership established by the SDGs. As WAZA and “development that meets the needs of roles in the shift towards sustainable its members move forward towards the present without compromising the development. Not only do 700 million achieving goals set at the 72nd WAZA ability of future generations to meet visitors enter zoos and aquariums Conference in Berlin – including 50 their own needs” – but debates con- each year, offering an enormous op- percent of the membership to have tinue as to who defines those needs portunity for education and behaviour eliminated single‑use plastic by 2023 and who decides the future. change, but also the institutions them- and 50 percent of the membership selves can model that change through to be committed to certified sustain- commitments to greener operations. able palm oil products by 2023 – these efforts will come to align more closely with the SDGs.

3 The SDGs were divided into 17 cat- egories, and some are easily linked Environmental Sustainability at Wellington Zoo to the interests and strengths of zoos and aquariums. Goal 14 (Life Amy Hughes Under Water) and Goal 15 (Life on Wellington Zoo Land) have obvious links to conservation, while Goal 13 (Climate Action) is increasingly core to the Wellington Zoo’s ethos is “Me tiaki, kia Becoming carboNZero certified in 2013 community’s work. ora!” Let us look after the environ- was a natural step for Wellington Zoo ment, and it will thrive. Wellington as we continue to work on minimising Goal 12 (Responsible Consump- Zoo had a long journey to become the our environmental impact. We’d been tion and Production) offers WAZA first carboNZero certified zoo in the making great strides in the sustain- members an opportunity to make world, one which is far from over. The ability space but we hadn’t neces- informed choices regarding the carboNZero programme is the world’s sarily been great at talking about it. goods they buy and the waste they first internationally accredited green- We knew we were doing great things, create, and both Goal 11 (Sustain- house gas (GHG) certification scheme, but to have it independently verified able Cities and Communities) and which provides companies with the through carboNZero certification Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and tools to measure and reduce their really promotes how our hard work Infrastructure) showcase the green carbon footprint, as well as offset it. and commitment paid off. building and innovative designs that are now standard in zoos and Being an environmentally sustainable Over the last five years, we have aquariums. organisation is not an end goal – it’s continued to identify ways to decrease about making ongoing choices and our emissions, including installing so- Other goals address issues such as identifying areas for improvement. lar panels on the front entrance of the education, gender equality, decent Lowering the zoo’s carbon emissions Zoo, installing more rainwater tanks work and economic growth, each and impact on the environment is and recycling stations and introducing of which could become areas of about securing the future for animals, our first 100% electric vehicle to our impact among WAZA and its mem- the environment and ourselves. fleet. We have also made a concerted bers. But the key is that as none of effort to improve our retail offering the SDGs is reserved specifically for Conservation is at the heart of every- with around 35% of current stock zoos and aquariums, nor is any of thing we do at Wellington Zoo. We eco‑sourced or sustainable. Improving them off‑limits. take our commitment to minimis- the quality of stock in the Zoo shop ing the environmental impact of our to better underpin the Zoo’s message The SDGs were crafted from a UN organisation very seriously and have of care for the environment has also resolution entitled “The Future We been working on making our-day-to- seen a substantial increase in revenue. Want”. As civic institutions that day operations more sustainable for have reflected the best efforts of the past ten years, from reducing our Gaining certification is not just about their cities and countries for more power usage, to collecting rainwater offsetting as much as possible. Car- than a century, it is clear that the and minimising waste to landfill. boNZero certification requires the Zoo future in question will include zoos to measure our GHG emissions so we and aquariums. understand what our impact is on the global climate. We then make a commitment to manage and reduce our GHG emissions by creating an emissions management and reduction plan. Any remaining emissions that we can- not avoid are then offset by purchas- ing verified carbon credits. The emphasis of the programme is on reduction; offsetting is our last resort. We are specific in terms of where we purchase our offsets and we ensure we support a local native habitat-regeneration project such as Pigeon Bush.

Entrance to Green Zoo Green You exhibit. © Wellington Zoo

4 Me tiaki, kia ora! Let us look after the environment, and it will thrive Environmental Sustainability at Wellington Zoo WAZA’s New Sustainability Award

WAZA reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development by establishing a new WAZA award, recognising institutional commitment towards environmental sustainability. The WAZA Environmental Sus- tainability Award was awarded for the first time this year, at the WAZA 73rd Annual Conference in Bangkok, to Wellington Zoo, New Zealand.

Wellington Zoo was honoured with the award due to the organisation’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and imbibing the philosophy of accountability in all of their decision‑making, particularly with regards to community engagement, construc- tion projects and resource use. The Zoo has achieved several significant milestones, including reducing its waste to landfill rate, reducing water consumption, increasing its recycling rate, and becoming carbon neutral since 2013.

Chair of the WAZA Awards Com- ↑Wellington Zoo’s solar panels. © Wellington Zoo mittee, Mike Barclay, said: “Wel- Wellington Zoo’s electric vehicle. © Wellington Zoo lington Zoo had an outstanding application for this award. It is As so many people from our com- Although we are proud of being the an institution with an innovative munity visit Wellington Zoo, we are in world’s first carboNZero certified zoo, and long‑standing commitment a unique position to showcase sus- sustainability is not about one organi- towards environmental sustain- tainability and inspire our community sation. We are equally proud of those ability. The Zoo has been invited to take action to reduce their indi- organisations that have embarked to share their sustainability vidual ecological footprint. Achieving on this journey. In our region, Zoos story with other institutions on carboNZero certification has given us Victoria became carbon neutral in several occasions, and this has a great platform to talk more widely 2013, and Auckland Zoo has recently inspired other zoos, aquari- about what we are doing in the sus- became carboNZero certified. Other ums and businesses to look at tainability space and to inspire others zoos and aquariums are also on the sustainability within their own to take action. journey to becoming carbon neutral organisations.” and showcasing their environmental sustainability. And we at Wellington Congratulations Wellington Zoo! Zoo continue on our ongoing journey of learning how we can best reduce our impact on the planet to make a better future for all of us. 5 Making Chester a Sustainable Palm Oil City Cat Barton A New Behaviour Change Campaign Chester Zoo

Palm oil has become one of the world’s most widely used edible veg- etable oils and is found in around 50% of packaged products in supermarkets, from foods such as biscuits and cakes to cosmetics and soaps. Demand for this oil is increasing drastically due to its high productivity, efficiency and versatility.

Palm oil plays a key role in the economy of countries such as Malay- sia and Indonesia; however, demand has resulted in the rapid expansion of oil palm plantations triggering widespread deforestation. Demand globally means that a boycott would have limited to no impact on how it’s grown; a whole industry change needs to take place. The best chance of protecting wildlife is to demand sustain- ably produced palm oil and continue to improve sustainability standards. Palm oil plantation. © Chester Zoo Palm oil fruit. © Chester Zoo

In 2014, Chester Zoo in the United As part of a wider community behav- available resources to make a change. Kingdom launched the Sustainable iour change campaign, the zoo is now Importantly, Chester Zoo asks them to Palm Oil Challenge as a response to bringing other businesses in the city make their pledge public and spread this problem, working with consum- of Chester on board, working together the word in the goal to make Chester ers, manufacturers, businesses and to overcome barriers to adopting sus- a sustainable palm oil city. the palm oil industry to increase the tainable palm oil. Sustainable Palm Oil demand for sustainable palm oil. The City is an initiative led by Chester Zoo But this is just a start. The zoo wants initiative started small within the zoo, alongside key conservation and indus- cities and towns in the UK and around with Chester Zoo auditing its own sup- try partners, supported by a host of the world to join them to create a net- ply chain, ensuring the food products advisors and endorsed by conserva- work of sustainable palm oil cities. stocked in the zoo shops and restau- tion colleagues. This project is about rants that contain palm oil were from collaboration and creating a pride Within WAZA’s Conservation and Envi- sustainable sources. in the Chester community, aiming to ronmental Sustainability Committee, a create a community of businesses working group is currently developing in Chester who all use and promote an action plan to help implement the sustainable palm oil. At this stage, it’s agreements made in the Memoran- perhaps not realistic to expect every dum of Understanding between WAZA single organisation in Chester to use and the Roundtable on Sustainable sustainable palm oil, but it is the zoo’s Palm Oil (RSPO), signed in October ultimate long‑term goal. 2017. The group is currently exploring ways to merge efforts from different To start the journey, Chester Zoo iden- zoological organisations around the tified five target areas in the food and world. Alongside Cheyenne Moun- hospitality industry which the zoo and tain Zoo, San Diego Zoo and Wildlife experts in the field felt would have Reserves Singapore, Chester Zoo is an impact on suppliers in the local representing on this group, sharing area. These include restaurants, cafés, efforts from the zoo and the work it schools and local authority catering is conducting within BIAZA and EAZA providers. The Zoo asked businesses palm oil groups. to make a pledge and use its freely 6 Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Gavrielle Kirk-Cohen Q&A with Darrel Webber WAZA

Why is it critical to encourage users be able to tell you quite quickly which to make the move to sustainable of their products contain sustain- palm oil? able palm oil, which ones don’t, and for the products which do contain Users need to know they can be part sustainable palm oil – the percent- of solving a big problem, and buy- ages of how much sustainable palm ing sustainable palm oil could be the oil it contains and where it is sourced channel through which they can help from. If their suppliers aren’t currently solve the big problem of unsustaina- using sustainable palm oil, they could ble palm oil practices. Buying sustain- look at competing brands which are able palm oil encourages producers members of RSPO, as it is a very com- to do the right thing, for the environ- petitive market. Some countries have ment, for people, for workers, and in a coalition of consumers who want to that sense if consumers do their part, use sustainable palm oil. For example, we will have more and more people the Singapore Zoo is part of a national Darrel Webber is the Chief Executive acting in the right way and making a coalition on sustainable palm oil. The Officer of the Roundtable on Sustain- difference. coalition is formed of all the buyers able Palm Oil (RSPO). Webber joined and includes suppliers and traders in RSPO in January 2011, based in Kuala In the MoU signed between WAZA and this alliance, then they try to work out Lumpur, Malaysia. The RSPO unites RSPO, WAZA has committed its mem‑ the bottlenecks in the supply chain, stakeholders from the various sec- bers to make the move to sustainable so that among themselves they will be tors of the palm oil industry: oil palm palm oil, with a target of having at able to unblock the sustainable sup- producers, processors or traders, least 50% of our members committed ply chains. consumer goods manufacturers, re- to sustainable palm oil by 2023. What tailers, banks, investors, and environ- steps can WAZA members take to What role do you think zoos and mental and social non‑governmental ensure they’re using sustainable palm aquariums can play in the evolution organisations (NGOs), to develop and oil products in their supply chains? of the palm oil industry and driving implement global standards for sus- consumer demand for sustainable tainable palm oil. The organisation The first thing they need to do is to palm oil? comprises more than 4,000 members understand whether they do have worldwide who have committed to palm oil in anything they use, so for Zoos and aquariums are in a unique produce, use or source sustainable example the food for the animals and role. On the one hand, they can raise palm oil certified by the RSPO. the products in their shops and res- the issues of unsustainable palm oil taurants. Secondly, they need to talk production with their visitors in a very In 2017, at the 72nd WAZA Annual to their suppliers and ask them about direct way, because they have millions Conference, WAZA and RSPO signed the palm oil content in their products, of visitors (consumers) and they have a five‑year Memorandum of Under- what palm oil they use and where iconic wildlife in their zoos which can standing (MoU) to make certified they source it from. If their suppliers be used to explain the issues palm oil sustainable palm oil the norm. are RSPO members and they are buy- has on these animals. This is is great, ing sustainable palm oil, they should because I don’t think many places can do that. On the other hand, they can also show clear solutions in what products they sell or consume, and the products they use for the animal feed. Zoos and aquariums can not only show the issues of palm oil, but can also show the solutions in a very practical way. Zoos and aquariums are great centres for education in terms of sustainable production and consumption.

Palm oil fruit. © RSPO/Jonathan Perugia

7 Palm oil plantations between the forest. © RSPO/Jonathan Perugia ↗Harvesting palm oil fruit. © Jonathan Perugia – Gaia Visual

Approximately 50% of common con‑ RSPO has a target of 100% certified In November, RSPO voted in its newly sumer products contain palm oil. Are sustainable palm oil in Europe by 2020. revised Principles and Criteria (P&C), there any easy ways for people to see How do you plan to achieve this? raising the RSPO standards. In the if a product uses certified sustainable past, RSPO has been criticised by palm oil, besides going on the website We need all the help we can get, some organisations which felt the to check it? which is why we have formed an alli- that the standards were not enforced ance with WAZA. We rely on our RSPO strongly enough. How are the new Just looking at the labels on products members to live up to their commit- P&C different? is often not enough and can be quite ments to achieve 100% certified sus- hard to find palm oil listed on them, tainable palm oil by a certain date. We The collaborative, multi-stakeholder as it will often just be listed as veg- also rely on countries; some govern- review process was the result of etable oil, as it’s often blended with ments have made commitments that 18 months of work and received other oils, depending on which oil is they will solely use certified sustain- almost 11,500 individual stakeholder cheapest on the day it’s bought. An able palm oil by 2020 – they are called comments, the highest number of easy way of finding out is through the the Amsterdam Declaration Countries. stakeholder comments of any RSPO RSPO app; it tells you where you can But there are still some countries and consultation to date. The new stand- buy certified sustainable palm oil. The markets which have some way to go. ard aims to universally strengthen more people who use the app helps social development, environmental to make it more accurate. Several zoos protection and economic prosperity also have their own apps which can across the sustainable palm oil value help consumers find sustainable palm chain. The new standard also includes oil products. a number of new elements such as adopting no deforestation through the implementation of the High Carbon Stock Approach. The revised P&C are intended to strengthen transparency and inclusivity in the RSPO system, increase implementation of the RSPO standards, boost market uptake of sustainable palm oil through shared responsibilities, and create an enabling environment for our shared vision of market transformation. 8 WAZA Director of Operations, Catriona Meehan, attending the 16th Annual Roundtable Conference Currently only a small number of zoos on Sustainable Palm Oil (RT16) and and aquariums are members of RSPO. voting on behalf on WAZA on the RSPO Resolutions. Many of the other zoos have concerns © WAZA that have kept them from joining as members. What would you say to those people who are not joining RSPO because they feel that RSPO is not making enough progress? RSPO Members

It’s hard to gauge when you are on They are also more than welcome to WAZA is pleased to announce it the outside looking in. Maybe we don’t contact us directly and we can help became an official member of do a good enough job communicat- them understand why the standards the Roundtable on Sustainable ing as it’s very hard to communicate are set the way they are. Palm Oil (RSPO) in October 2018. the dynamics of the discussions that As a member, WAZA has a say in are going on, it’s so technical and Earlier this year, RSPO suspended RSPO’s decision‑making, shap- nuanced. The best option for the zoos Nestlé’s membership for failing to ing efforts to make sustainable and aquariums is to talk to the other submit its report detailing how it palm oil the norm. Through the zoos and aquariums who are already would ensure the use of certified sus‑ membership, WAZA will continue members of RSPO, especially zoos that tainable palm oil. After facing public to focus on its Memorandum of are active members. That’s how you pressure, Nestlé then submitted its Understanding (MoU) with the can better understand the goings‑on time‑bound action plan. What would RSPO, which seeks to further of the RSPO. We would certainly like you like to say about the role WAZA the two organisations’ shared to have more zoos and aquariums as members played in convincing Nestlé goals of influencing consumers members because if we have more to comply with RSPO standards? to use sustainable palm oil and diverse stakeholders we uncover to have at least half of the WAZA more diverse issues and therefore our I would like to thank the WAZA mem- membership committed to sus- solutions will be more diverse and bership who actively gave their views tainable palm oil practices and therefore more sustainable. on Nestlé; it helped inform RSPO be RSPO certified by 2023. and Nestlé. Their actions were very informative and helpful.

9 Change on the Water in Southeast Asia Margaret Spring Monterey Bay Aquarium

Southeast Asia produces much of the But what exactly is “sustainable In February, Seafood Watch launched high‑value seafood exported to mar- seafood”? Increasingly, the seafood the Seafood Slavery Risk Tool, the first kets such as the United States, the industry has come to realise that the solution of its kind to help businesses European Union and Japan. It is also definition must be expanded to in- assess – and address – the potential home to rich and diverse marine life clude serious social concerns such as risk of forced labour, human traffick- threatened by unsustainable fishing human trafficking, forced labour, un- ing and hazardous child labour in and aquaculture practices. fair wages and unsafe working condi- fisheries. The Risk Tool was originally tions. In response, Seafood Watch and created with Liberty Asia, Seafish, the The Monterey Bay Aquarium is tack- Conservation International brought Sustainable Fisheries Partnership ling these challenges in a partner- experts on seafood and human rights (SFP) and outside experts, and is now ship with the Carnegie Endowment together for a ground‑breaking work- jointly run by the Aquarium with Lib- for International Peace. Through the shop on social justice issues in the erty Asia and SFP. Southeast Asia Fisheries and Aqua- seafood industry. culture Initiative, the aquarium is col- The Risk Tool, available to businesses laborating with regional governments The “Monterey Framework” that at seafoodslaveryrisk.org, rates the and seafood producers in Thailand, emerged from the workshop identi- likelihood that forced labour, human Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam and the fies three key principles that together trafficking or hazardous child labour is Philippines to overcome obstacles to establish a global standard for social occurring on fishing boats in a specific sustainable seafood production. responsibility in the seafood sector: fishery. The ratings are derived from protecting human rights, dignity and credible, publicly available sources, The initiative brings each country’s respecting access to resources; ensur- including reports by authoritative local experts – the seafood produc- ing equality and equitable opportuni- institutions and civil society organisa- ers, non‑profits and government ties to benefit; and improving food tions, and the process was subject to representatives who best understand and livelihood security. extensive peer review. conditions on the water – together with global advisors, to map a path towards seafood production that is both environmentally and socially sustainable.

In connection with the initiative, the Aquarium’s Seafood Watch programme has partnered with experts at Wageningen University in the Nether- lands to develop a framework to identify gaps in aquaculture governance worldwide. Monterey Bay Aquarium aims to produce a tool that can be used at high levels of the government, to inform policies in support of sustainable aquaculture – and eventually for wild‑capture fisheries as well.

All images are from Seafood Watch fisheries staff visiting fisheries in Vietnam and Myanmar. © Monterey Bay Aquarium

10 9379 Monterey Bay WestCoast_Jan 2017.qxp_11.30.07 2016-11-23 5:12 PM Page 1

Your Choices Matter Take Action Stay Connected Many of the fish we enjoy Be part of the solution and • Download our free app Monterey Bay Aquarium are in trouble due to make a difference for our ocean: • Follow us on Facebook, destructive fishing and Instagram and Twitter farming practices. ASK “Do you sell sustainable • Sign up for our e-news seafood?” Let businesses • Visit seafoodwatch.org Purchase seafood caught or know this is important to you. Seafood ® farmed in ways that support BUY Best Choices. a healthy ocean—now and for future generations. If unavailable, look for Good Alternatives or the eco-certified options found WATCH on our app and website.

CHOOSE Seafood Watch partners from our app or YELLOWTAIL ROCKFISH website when dining and Monterey Bay Aquarium shopping. West Coast The seafood recommendations in this guide are Consumer Guide credited to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation ©201 7. All rights reserved. Printed on recycled paper. January – June 2017

The Risk Tool complements Seafood Watch’s approximately 1,100 science‑ based seafood recommendations, which focus largely on the impact of fishing and fish farming on the health of ocean ecosystems. Using these resources in combination, businesses can address both environmental issues and human rights abuses associated with the seafood supply chain.

Monterey Bay Aquarium together with their partners are working towards a seafood supply that’s sustainable for both the ocean and for the people whose livelihoods depend on it.

11 When Balloons Fly, Seabirds Die Olivia Shiels Zoos Victoria

When it comes to marking a special occasion or choosing decorations for an outdoor event, we often think of using balloons. However, many people are unaware of the devastating impact balloons and their attachments can have on wildlife when they drift into the sky.

Aside from polluting the oceans, balloon debris is bad news for wildlife. A Commonwealth Scientific and Indus- trial Research Organisation (CSIRO) study in Australia found balloons and their attachments are in the top three most harmful pollutants threatening marine wildlife for both entangle- ment and ingestion. Birds can easily In 2017, Zoos Victoria and Phillip Island become entangled in the strings or Nature Parks launched the “When ribbons of balloons, leaving them un- balloons fly, seabirds die” campaign, able to fly. alongside researchers at Lord Howe Island, to highlight the impact of bal- The impact balloon litter can have on loons on seabirds and other wildlife, wildlife has been well documented and call on Australians to make a in the flesh‑footed shearwaters on switch to blowing bubbles at their remote Lord Howe Island. Researchers outdoor events. So far, more than from the University of Tasmania and 112,000 people and organisations have the Institute for Marine and Antarc- promised to use wildlife‑friendly al- tic Studies have been following the ternatives at their next outdoor event species at Lord Howe Island for over and over 160 groups have signed up 10 years, and there are frightening as supporters, including schools, zoos, results from field surveys. businesses and environmental groups.

In 2014, researchers found 100% of Zoos Victoria, with help from their flesh‑footed shearwater chicks across partners at Lord Howe Island and Phil- the colony had marine waste in their lip Island Nature Parks, will continue Balloon clips. © Ian Hutton stomachs, with balloon clips one of to monitor the prevalence of balloons the most common and readily identifi- and their attachments on beaches able items found. and in the ocean over time. Annual sampling of the stomach contents of Chicks are mistakenly fed the litter shearwater chicks will also be under- by their parents and can be left too taken at these two sites with the hope weak to leave the nest. The decline of seeing a reduction in the amount of in shearwater numbers on the island balloon waste present. is directly linked to the ingestion of this marine debris and is a warning that many seabirds could be facing a similar fate. Removing plastic balloon clips from the stomach of a flesh-footed shearwater chick. © IanHutton

zoo.org.au/balloons

12 Shedd the Straw Kelsey Ryan Shedd Aquarium

Global plastic production has skyrock- eted since its popularisation as a consumer material in the 1950s. According to a 2015 report from the Worldwatch Institute, 300 million tonnes of plastic was generated in 2015, compared to 1.7 million tonnes produced in 1950. This alarming figure is projected to increase to 600 million tons within the next 20 years.

These plastic products are diverse and widespread – from disposable plastic water bottles, cutlery and bags to straws. Though useful for on‑the‑go lifestyles, these products have a long‑lasting impact because plastic never entirely biodegrades. It instead Debris floating in remains in the environment for hun- Lake Michigan nearby Shedd Aquarium. dreds of years as toxic microplastics, © Shedd Aquarium many of which make their way into oceans, lakes and rivers. Scientists are predicting that, without action, the amount of plastic in our oceans will exceed the amount of fish, pound for pound, by 2050. All that plastic puts our planet’s wildlife at risk – some- Plastic straws on thing veterinarians and animal care the beach at Shedd research site. experts have seen first‑hand when © Shedd Aquarium assisting with marine mammal rescue efforts, including the team at Chi- cago’s John G. Shedd Aquarium.

In 2017, Shedd Aquarium launched an While garnering support from individ- Since launching the campaign, the awareness campaign focused on re- uals, Shedd Aquarium also took this aquarium has developed many of ducing plastic pollution that is plagu- challenge to Chicagoland restaurants. these one‑day commitments into ing the aquatic world. After learning Shedd started small by contacting res- long‑term partnerships. Currently, of an audit conducted in the United taurants it previously had connections more than 65 restaurants are working States that showed Americans use an with through its Sustainable Seafood with Shedd Aquarium to Shedd the estimated 500 million plastic straws Programme and asked them to Shedd Straw, and this number continues to daily, Shedd targeted straws first. The the Straw for just one day. On Earth grow. As the aquarium continues to aquarium launched a campaign on Day, a dozen restaurants committed engage those living in Chicago, includ- Earth Day aptly named Shedd the to go straw‑free for the day. A few ing restaurant‑owners, policy-makers Straw that challenged the Chicagoland months later, on World Oceans Day in and Shedd visitors, the organisation community and aquarium visitors to June, the aquarium garnered the same looks forward to making a positive remove single‑use plastic straws from commitment from eight additional impact on waterways with every com- their everyday life. The concept was restaurants, for a total of 20 restau- mitment to Shedd the Straw. simple and offered a few solutions to rants. Based on numbers provided by help consumers make the commit- the restaurants, that meant more than ment, whether it be declining on the 10,000 straws were not used on World plastic straw provided free‑of‑charge Oceans Day. in beverages, or choosing a reusable or compostable alternative.

13 Fighting Plastic Waste Joey Phua Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which operates Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo, is on a journey to reduce single‑use plastics by replacing them with reusable items or converting them to alternative eco‑friendly options.

Given the tropical weather in Singa- pore, which regularly climbs to a daily high of over 30° Celsius (86° Fahren- heit), bottled water unsurprisingly is one of the largest contributors of single‑use plastic waste in Wildlife Reserves Singapore parks. Each year, park guests purchase around half a Singapore Zoo’s Zoo Goes to Schools: Trash Busters reaches out to pre‑school children and seeks to million bottles of water and unwit- educate and encourage young minds on the harmful effects of plastic waste to the environment, and on how to properly dispose waste or to recycle where possible. © Wildlife Reserves Singapore tingly contribute the same amount of plastic waste, adding to the devastating global impact of plastic usage to Wildlife Reserves Singapore is nearly In October 2017, Wildlife Reserves Sin- the environment and wildlife. two years into the journey, and has: gapore ran a sustainability campaign • Dispensed more than 1.2 million to raise awareness of the devastating To tackle this challenge and still meet single‑use plastic bottles worth of impact of plastic waste, and to rally the guests’ need for drinking wa- water, thereby reducing the purchase park guests and the local community ter, the organisation partnered with of bottled water in the parks to reduce consumption of single‑use sustainable solutions company Hyflux • Replaced single‑use plastic plastic in their everyday lives. “The to customise and install water dis- bottles with eco‑friendly paper Deadliest Monster” campaign cast pensers throughout their four parks. carton packaging a spotlight on plastic waste as the Guests are encouraged to bring their • Reduced the use of disposables deadliest monster of our waters killing own water bottles to fill up at no cost, at the parks’ eateries, and converted over 1 million animals annually. or pick up a reusable water bottle at all single‑use plastics to eco‑friendly one of the park retail stores. alternatives In just one month, the campaign: • Halted the distribution of free • Reached more than 34,000 people carrier bags at the retail stores and online eateries to encourage the use of • Garnered over S$ 338,000 value reusable shopping bags. Guests can in PR exposure purchase eco‑friendly, reusable bags • Engaged more than 10,000 guests at a nominal fee, with all proceeds at the education booth and animal going towards the organisation’s presentations conservation projects • Doubled the sales of reusable • Committed to converting all plastic water bottles in stores bottled beverages to aluminium can • To engage young minds, a “Zoo alternatives by end 2018 goes to School” programme “Trash Busters” was specially developed for pre‑schools, and “The Deadli- est Monster” art competition drew hundreds of creative entries from enthusiastic pre‑schoolers. School children fill their reusable water bottles at one of the 27 water dispensers The Wildlife Reserves Singapore teams located around the four parks. © Wildlife Reserves Singapore continue to engage hundreds of people and schools on the impact of plastic waste at out‑of‑park roadshows and events throughout the year. 14 If It Doesn’t Go in the Bin, It Goes in the Sea Sara Granchinho A Marine Litter Campaign by Oceanário de Lisboa Oceanário de Lisboa

Plastic pollution is one of the great- The campaign, launched in 2017, With three TV advertisements, the est threats to the ocean. More than serves to raise awareness about campaign is reaching a large audi- eight million tons of plastic go into individual responsibility in prevent- ence. The films reveal the importance the ocean annually, the equivalent of ing marine litter, particularly plastic of changing individual behaviours to dumping one garbage truck of plastic pollution – one of the planet’s biggest protect the ocean. The three stories every minute. The effects are detri- environmental concerns. The initia- depict common everyday situations mental to wildlife and marine ecosys- tive, which features a large advertising in which, at the time of discarding a tems, with one million seabirds and campaign, aims to amplify informa- cotton bud in the toilet, a cigarette 100,000 marine mammals dying every tion and literacy about the impacts of butt on the ground and an ice-cream year from plastic pollution. marine litter in ocean wildlife. package on the beach, the characters involuntarily initiate a path that sym- There is a belief that most of the The campaign was designed to convey bolises the actual route that these litter that goes into the ocean is not a new perspective about the impor- discarded products can take until intentional, but the result of unaware- tance of disposing of garbage prop- they end up in the sea. ness, which is why the Oceano Azul erly. Many people are not aware that Foundation started a campaign to the litter disposed of on the ground, “The campaign messages are clear. encourage and involve the Portuguese into the toilet or recycled incorrectly, If we do nothing, marine litter will public to unequivocally mobilise for a even far from the coast, may end up continue to kill thousands of marine blue ocean. in the ocean. animals every year. If we do nothing, in 30 years there will be more plastic Oceano Azul Foundation with Ocean- “There is not yet a clear awareness in the sea than fish,” concludes Tiago ário de Lisboa (Lisbon Aquarium), in of the importance of disposing of Pitta e Cunha. partnership with Olá, the ice‑cream garbage in the right place to reduce company, launched a marine litter ocean pollution. With this campaign, Created by Sociedade Francisco Ma- campaign titled: “If it doesn’t go in the we aim to alert people that their nuel dos Santos (SFMS), the Oceano bin, it goes in the sea.” garbage may end up in the sea, thus Azul Foundation aims to contribute threatening the marine environment to a healthy and productive ocean to and affecting millions of species ir- the benefit of the planet, and to fulfil reversibly,” says the Chief Executive its mission it counts on the activity of Officer of the Oceano Azul Foundation, Oceanário de Lisboa. Tiago Pitta e Cunha. 15 World Aquariums Against Marine Litter Gavrielle Kirk-Cohen WAZA

Last year, WAZA joined HSH Prince In October 2018, a second campaign Albert II of Monaco, Karmenu Vella, was started with the launch of a European Commissioner for the Envi- global coalition of aquariums against ronment, Maritime Affairs and Fisher- plastic pollution. The campaign "World ies and Erik Solheim, former Head of aquariums #ReadyToChange to #Beat- the United Nations Environment, to PlasticPollution" will see aquariums launch the World Aquariums Against all over the world organise educa- Marine Litter campaign. tional activities in their facilities and will encourage them to change their The aquariums’ campaign is an EU procurement policies to eliminate all contribution to the #CleanSeas cam- single‑use plastic items. paign of the United Nations Environ- ment Programme aimed at engaging The aim of the campaign is to have at governments, the general public, civil least 200 aquariums on board by 2019, society and the private sector in the raising public awareness about plastic fight against marine plastic litter. pollution. The institutions involved in the initiative will engage with potential partners, sponsors and NGOs to promote best practices in the use of plastic on a local, regional, national and global scale. A number of WAZA member aquariums have already joined the coalition and are raising awareness of Fish tank filled with marine litter in Oceanographic Museum Aquarium, for the launch plastic pollution in their institutions. of the World Aquariums Against Marine Litter campaign. © European Union

16 “We are delighted that so many WAZA members have already joined the global coalition, and we hope to see more of our member aquariums joining the coalition and being a positive force for change,” said WAZA Chief Executive Officer, Doug Cress.

The global coalition of international aquariums is coordinated by the European Commission, together with the United Nations Environment Pro- gramme and with the support of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, the European Union of Aquarium Curators, WAZA, the US Aquarium Conservation Partnership and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.

EU Commissioner for Environ- ment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, said: “The European Commission has been working for 18 months to instigate and build this global coalition. Aquariums are a window to our ocean. With their collections and their educational programmes, they show us what we need to protect, and they inspire the ocean- lovers of tomorrow. Millions of people visit aquariums around the world every year. This will mobilise them to rethink the way we use plastic.”

Currently, more than 160 aquariums around the world have already pledged support to the new coalition World aquariums #ReadyToChange to #BeatPlasticPollution.

Cartoon images © Gatis Šļūka

Loro Parque, Tenerife, has replaced single-use plastic bottles with biodegradable bottles. © Loro Parque

17 WAZA Works

Action Indonesia GSMPs Stuart Young One Plan Approach for Ungulate Conservation IUCN SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group

The Action Indonesia Global Species These GSMPs were founded in 2015 Originally, the Action Indonesia GSMPs Management Plans (GSMPs) set out by the Indonesian Zoo and Aquarium were organised with species-specific to manage three threatened Indone- Association (PKBSI), AZA, EAZA, the committees, and all activities involv- sian taxa: anoa (Bubalus depressi- IUCN Species Survival Commission ing a given species were arranged by cornis and B. quarlesi), banteng (Bos and the Asian Wild Cattle and Wild Pig the convenor and co‑convenor. The javanicus) and babirusa (Babyrousa specialist groups. In March 2016, they second planning workshop in Febru- sp.). These GSMPs use the One Plan were approved and endorsed by the ary 2018 saw the GSMPs rearranged Approach to combine the skills, Indonesian Ministry of Environment into thematic working groups (popula- resources and expertise of both the and Forestry (KKH) and WAZA. They tion management, husbandry training, zoo community and in situ practition- have since developed into a strong education, in situ conservation, fund- ers. The goals of the Action Indonesia global alliance with over 50 partner raising and communications). This GSMPs are: institutions including zoos, NGOs, allows for more efficient work across governments and universities. Thanks all species and will enable greater col- • To reach a demographically to WAZA’s GSMP framework, as well laboration in areas such as husbandry and genetically healthy global as face‑to‑face and virtual meetings training, education and fundraising. ex situ population with all members, there is now a good • To raise awareness among understanding of the varying regional zoo visitors and institutional processes among the • To use zoo expertise to help Action Indonesia partners. in situ conservation • To prioritise and support in situ projects Zoo educator training, Taman Safari Prigen, October 2017. © John Abernethy

18 ↑ Banteng. © Chester Zoo → Anoa husbandry training, Makassar, October 2017. © John Abernethy

The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) GSMP also joined the ungulate GSMPs for the second planning workshop. The synchronising of these four Indonesian GSMPs will help to align the processes of KKH and PKBSI for future husbandry training and animal transfers, as well as allow greater collaboration for education and fundraising.

Since their endorsement in 2016, the Another major achievement of the It is hoped that these successful Action Indonesia GSMPs have de- GSMPs is the successful breeding and transfers will snowball, and we will livered various training sessions to transfer of animals. In July 2018, two soon also see the implementation PKBSI zoos. These include Anoa and years of planning, negotiating and of the transfer recommendations for Babirusa Husbandry Training, Ban- relationship‑building resulted in the anoa and babirusa. Along with con- teng Transportation and Husbandry successful transfers of three banteng tinued recommended breeding, this Training, and Zoo Educator Train- bulls. This was a major milestone for will enable us to take major steps ing. In addition to this, training was Action Indonesia; as well as being towards achieving our goal of demo- delivered to local forestry office staff the first implementation of coop- graphically and genetically healthy in Sulawesi to enable them to better erative transfer recommendations ex situ populations for each species. manage rescued and confiscated of the GSMPs, they also involved the Continued delivery of husbandry anoa and babirusa. This represents a movement of animals between zoos training, and the production of skills‑transfer from zoo experts to in (Taman Safari Indonesia) and Baluran husbandry guidelines, will contribute situ staff, further embracing the One National Park. to achieving this goal. Additionally, Plan Approach. The Action Indonesia another key role for the GSMPs in GSMPs have also supported several the near future is to increase the in grants for NGOs such as AITo and Yani, situ activities in Sulawesi, as well as working towards the in situ conserva- expanding to include banteng con- tion of anoa and babirusa in Sulawesi. servation projects in East Java. 19 Support from zoos has been key to this partnership, and this continued support is vital for future successes. AZA, EAZA and PKBSI zoos have provided financial and logistical support, as well as sending staff to participate in meetings and training sessions. You can also help by providing financial support or training materials, or by staff leading training workshops. In August 2019, we will establish “Ac- tion Indonesia Day”, a coordinated day of activities and social media posts aimed at raising awareness for these species. Again, the support of zoos is key to raising awareness for these threatened, under‑appreciated animals.

If you would like to get involved or would like more information about these GSMPs, please ↑↑ Anoa calf Nani and mother Oana. © Chester Zoo contact Stuart Young ↑ Babirusa. © Chester Zoo ([email protected]).

www.asianwildcattle.org Twitter: @IUCN_WildCattle FB: IUCN Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group

20 Recap of the 73rd WAZA Annual Conference in Bangkok Gavrielle Kirk-Cohen WAZA Executive Office

More than 300 delegates from more “WAZA is in an exciting position, WAZA also agreed to take the lead in than 45 countries around the world poised to tackle critical global issues organising a Global Species Congress gathered in Bangkok, Thailand for the going forward. The annual conference in the coming years, based on a 2008 73rd WAZA Annual Conference, 21–25 really saw the global zoo, aquarium resolution by the International Union October 2018. and conservation community coming for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) together and taking decisive action that called for an international sum- During the conference, WAZA made a on significant matters,” said WAZA mit to “to highlight the status of the number of resolutions and stepped President, Dr Jenny Gray. “WAZA and planet’s species, articulate and review boldly into the international arena as its members are becoming a global the consequences of the threats that it agreed to organise a Global Species force for change.” they face, and chart their future con- Congress to address the conservation servation”. and extinction crises, committed to WAZA delegates embraced the WAZA sustainable forestry guidelines, and Global Strategy, which calls for the “WAZA is uniquely placed to play a voted to close one of Thailand’s most rapid expansion of the membership leadership role in staging a Global notorious zoos. into regions and countries in Asia, Species Congress,” said WAZA Execu- Africa and Latin America where WAZA tive Director Doug Cress. “An interna- Delegates heard from keynote speak- had little or no impact to date, and an tional forum that focuses squarely on ers such as United Nations Messen- emphasis on recruiting more aquari- species is long overdue and will play ger of Peace Dr Jane Goodall, crane ums to better equip WAZA to address an important role in aligning with expert Dr George Archibald, Forest marine and freshwater issues. major assemblies on environment, Stewardship Council (FSC) director Kim biodiversity and conservation in the Carstensen, and Thai conservationist years ahead.” Prof. Pilai Poonswad.

Group photo of WAZA conference participants. © Big Apiratmontri

21 ↑↑ Delegates listening to presentations. © Big Apiratmontri ↑ Mark Reed feeding the ring-tailed lemurs during the Khao Kheow Open Zoo visit. © Big Apiratmontri ↗ Conference delegates. © Surain Suvadinkul → Cultural performance during the opening ceremony. © Big Apiratmontri

22 ↑ Dr Jane Goodall taking part in media interviews. © Big Apiratmontri ← Karen Fifield, Wellington Zoo, receiving the WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award from WAZA President Dr Jenny Gray. © Big Apiratmontri ↙ Cameron Kerr from Taronga Zoo accepting the WAZA Conservation Award, with Mike Barclay, Chair of the Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Committee, and Dr Jenny Gray. © Surain Suvadinkul

WAZA expanded its suite of sustain- WAZA also honoured former Sedgwick able development agreements in County Zoo director Mark Reed with Bangkok, signing a Memorandum the WAZA Heini Hediger Award, an of Understanding with the Forest accolade given to leaders in the global Stewardship Council that called on 50 zoo and aquarium community. Reed, percent of WAZA members to be com- who retired in 2016 after 37 years at mitted to sourcing 70 percent certified the Kansas institution, also served sustainable wood and paper prod- eight years as a member of the WAZA ucts by 2023. FSC, meanwhile, agreed Council. The WAZA Conservation Award to increase its FSC‑certified forests was given to Taronga Zoo in Australia, globally by 50 percent by 2023, with an while the brand new WAZA Environ- emphasis on natural forests in tropi- mental Sustainability Award went to cal regions. Wellington Zoo in New Zealand.

WAZA delegates also took the bold The 74th WAZA Annual Conference will step of resolving to close the Pata Zoo, be hosted by Fundación Temaikén, in a dilapidated institution atop the Pata Buenos Aires, Argentina from 3–7 No- shopping mall in downtown Bangkok vember 2019. We look forward to see- that includes endangered species such ing you there. as gorilla, bonobo, rhinoceros horn- bill, Komodo dragon, chimpanzee and orangutan among the 300 animals in the two floors of exhibits. Numerous WAZA delegates, including Dr Goodall, visited the zoo during the conference, and WAZA passed a resolution to help improve welfare and husbandry standards at the Pata Zoo, as it works with Thai government officials to close the zoo as soon as possible.

23 Help Save Critically Endangered Saola Gavrielle Kirk-Cohen Zoos Worldwide Answer Call WAZA

WAZA and a number of its members, as well as regional and national zoo and aquarium associations, are working with Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC) to save the elusive and critically endangered saola antelope. Earlier in the year, zoos and affiliated organisations around the world generously contributed or pledged more than US$ 350,000 to support efforts that represent the last best hope to save the critically endangered species: a conservation breeding centre.

WAZA, at its 72nd Annual Conference last year, made the decision to forgo the usual conference goody bags and instead donate US$ 5,000 to the saola fund, in lieu of the often‑wasteful conference staple. WAZA also set up an online fundraising campaign in December, to garner additional funds from supporters. The Saola Work- ing Group (SWG) will use the funds received from the zoo fundraising campaigns to establish a conservation breeding centre in Vietnam and improve protection of forest areas in Vietnam and Laos for eventual re‑introduction of saola. Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in technical partnership with the SWG, has selected Vietnam’s Bach Ma National Park as the site for the world’s first saola breeding centre.

Only discovered in 1992, the saola is considered to be the most surprising zoological find of the 20th century. The species is so rare and elusive that biologists have only photographed it five times in the wild since its discov- ery, all by camera traps – twice in Laos and three times in Vietnam. The saola is listed as critically endangered on ↑↑ Captive female saola, Lak Xao, Boikhamxay Province, Laos, 1996. © William Robichaud the IUCN Red List of Threatened Spe- ↑ Wild saola camera-trapped in central Laos, Bolikhamxay Province, in 1999. © William Robichaud cies, but the actual size of the population is unknown. The current population is thought to be a few hundred at maximum and possibly a few dozen at minimum. Its scarcity makes it one of the greatest priorities for conservation in the region.

24 WAZA Nature Connect grants Programme Stephanie Sanderson WAZA Now open for applications! Now in its second year, the WAZA Na- The conservation campaigns are an ture Connect Programme has funded entirely new type of Nature Connect Closing date to apply: 32 projects in 22 countries and has grant. These grants will fund WAZA connected more than 3,000 families members to run public campaigns 10 January 2019 and 12,000 individuals to nature. focusing on a particular conservation action, habitat or species. The The programme encourages and sup- campaign should explain what local bit.ly/WAZA_NatureConnect ports the WAZA community to provide people can do to mitigate the chosen outdoor facilitated experiences that issues and should build up to one or connect children and their families to more events where the community or nature and inspire them to take action zoo and aquarium visitors can gather to conserve the natural world. It is and take action. The campaign can funded by the Disney Conservation tackle issues such as pollution, inva- Fund (DCF) and is managed by WAZA sive plants, lack of awareness of local in collaboration with the International nature, habitat loss, illegal trade and Zoo Educators (IZE) Association, which more. While the mass action events provides technical support. Since might include beach clean-ups, a the programme started at the begin- bioblitz, creating a community wildlife ning of 2017, the Disney Conservation garden or tree-planting. The opportu- Fund has provided the programme nities are endless, and we are happy with € 1.1 million of funding to connect to discuss your ideas further. people with nature. Applications for the family conserva- The grants are available to any WAZA tion action project grants are now member either for work they do at open, and the closing date to apply is their own zoo or aquarium, or for work 10 January 2019. Applications for the they do together with field conser- conservation campaign grants will vation partners. The latest round of open in January–February 2019. We funding is slightly different from last invite all WAZA members to apply for year in that the grants available this the grants to create innovative ways to year are greater (up to US$ 20,000 per enhance the connection that families application), the focus is on families have with the natural world and get taking action, and the period of time them involved in taking conservation over which the programme can occur action. The WAZA website contains has been extended from five months more information about the grants, to one year. as well as various resources to help inspire you. In this new round of funding, two types of Nature Connect grants If you wish to discuss your are available. The first is for family ideas or need help with your conservation action projects, and application, please contact us on the other is for conservation cam- [email protected]. paigns culminating in action events for families. The family conservation grants are for projects which involve the same groups of families, gathering more than five times over the course of a year. The programme allows families to gain conservation skills, see the impact of their actions over time, and develop a mindset and habit of taking One of the participants from conservation action in their daily lives. Africam Safari Mexico’s Nature Connect project exploring nature. © Africam Safari

25 New Exhibit Feature

Energy for Life: Tropical House Tara Russell Marwell Zoo

Earlier this year, Marwell Zoo in the Additionally, in order to help the canopy and a group of pygmy marmo- United Kingdom unveiled its latest zoo achieve their goal of becoming sets exploring their own island above development, the new Energy for Life: completely carbon neutral by 2020, the exhibit’s impressive 70,000-litre Tropical House. they realised they had a significant aquarium, which is home to 2,500 untapped energy resource in animal fish. Tropical free‑flying birds include The tropical house is Marwell Zoo’s waste (dung, soiled bedding and crested wood partridge, Sclater’s biggest project to date and will see leftover hay) which could be used for crowned pigeon, white‑naped pheas- Marwell become the first zoo in the UK renewable energy within the zoo. ant pigeon, Nicobar pigeon, Eastern to generate energy using waste “zoo superb fruit dove, Brazilian tanager, poo”. The innovative and sustainable These early ideas were communicated Asian glossy starlings, Java sparrow exhibit marks the second phase of a to architects and wider consultant and Fischer’s turaco. Meanwhile, the £ 17 million (€ 19 million) investment teams, and together they created the bustling forest floor is home to Javan programme at the zoo over the next efficient and energy-saving design, in- chevrotain (mouse deer), Burmese eight to ten years, creating improved cluding animal and plant exhibit areas mountain tortoises and insects such habitats for animals and more immer- and the guest journey. Marwell’s pro- as lesser goliath beetles. The Tropi- sive experiences for guests. jects team employed Nautilus to theme cal House is also home to a croco- the 1,000-square-metre exhibit area dile monitor lizard and a colony of The idea for a Tropical House with and create the aquarium and pools. leaf‑cutter ants. The Tropical House complementary education and sustain- sets new standards of husbandry ability goals was first considered in The exhibit spans two levels with fan- for the species displayed, with large 2012. Marwell wanted to move away tastic vantage points. Guests can ex- space provision, near-natural environ- from viewing animals through conven- perience face‑to‑face encounters with ment and rainforest climate as well as tional barriers and glass, so guests can a diversity of wildlife and exotic plants extensive use of innovative technology experience uninterrupted face‑to‑face in a tropical climate, while learning for supplementing heat and light. encounters with wildlife in a totally about the flow of energy through immersive environment. There was a life. There are yellow‑throated frogs desire for a much‑needed indoor and below a cascading waterfall, a Linné’s weather‑proof space in order to en- two‑toed sloth in the lush forest hance the Marwell guest experience. © Jason Brown

James Cretney, Marwell Zoo’s Chief The contemporary structure is built chip biomass. This will, in the coming Executive, said the £8 million pro- using the latest in ETFE (ethylene months, provide heating not only for ject was supported by a £1.5 million tetrafluoroethylene) roofing. This the Tropical House itself but also for Local Growth Fund (LGF) investment cutting‑edge material is lightweight, buildings across the zoo, enabling by Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise self‑cleaning, strong and fully recy- the zoo to significantly reduce its Partnership (LEP). He said: “We are clable, making it a more sustainable carbon footprint and dependency on thrilled to open this ground‑breaking option. The highly insulating roof fossil fuels. new exhibit which marks a very proud canopy allows natural UV light to and important moment in our his- shine through, creating ideal condi- The unique combination of visitor tory. The LEP’s involvement has itself tions for the 650 individual plants experience and sustainability creates been catalytic and, in addition to from 65 different species to flour- a compelling interpretation story and their grant, has allowed us to under- ish and form a lush habitat for the educational opportunities for the stand and support a wider regional animals. Rainwater from the roof is exhibit. Through the Tropical House strategy of economic growth, STEM harvested in two 50,000-litre tanks to experience, Marwell aims to encour- skills development and low-carbon provide water inside for the aquaria age interest and understanding of the technology, all of which ’Energy for and plant-watering, making the build- flow of energy through life and raise Life’ will deliver upon. The unique ing self‑sufficient for water. awareness of how the energy we need combination of visitor experience and to power our modern lifestyles is gen- innovative green technology creates a The exhibit features a woodchip erated and the consequences for the compelling story, throwing a spotlight boiler that will be supplemented by global environment. The exhibit high- on promoting alternative, renewable a specialist boiler capable of burn- lights the changing global climate, the forms of energy. We hope guests, both ing straw‑based animal manure. The measures the zoo is taking to reduce young and old, can learn more, and exhibit will generate energy through carbon emissions and how they can feel inspired to join us in doing their the combination of processing waste inspire guests to make a difference. bit to make a difference too.” “zoo poo” and locally sourced wood-

27 Book Reviews

Enriching Lives: A Forest in the Clouds: Improving the Wellbeing My Year Among the of Captive Animals Mountain Gorillas in By Dr Brij Kishor Gupta, Perhaps one of the most interesting the Remote Enclave Central Zoo Authority India (CZA) aspects of the book is it focuses on of Dian Fossey [email protected] enrichment exclusively for animals By John Fowler Year: 2017 • 196pp found in Indian zoos. Gorillas, polar Pegasus, 2018 • 400pp ISBN: 978-93-5254-185-0 bears, giraffes and hippos are no- ISBN 978-1-68177-633-0 where to be found while sloth bears, From the days where Hal Markowitz gaurs, pangolins and Asiatic lions A Forest in the Clouds is John Fowler’s developed behavioural engineer- are highlighted. The species and taxa memoir of his time spent at the Kari- ing in the 1970s to the writings of Jill covered are quite comprehensive as soke Research Center in the remote Mellen and David Shepherdson in the it not only covers mammals but also mountain gorilla camp of Dr Dian 1990s, the art of animal enrichment birds, reptiles and fish. Gupta is the Fossey, in Rwanda, a few years prior to has evolved into one of the pillars of Evaluation and Monitoring Officer for her murder. Drawn to the adventure animal wellness in zoos. In the past the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), the and promise of learning the science 40 years, the idea of creating new body of government that oversees of studying mountain gorillas amid experiences to stimulate the minds India’s zoos. He takes advantage of his the beauty of Central Africa’s cloud of animals has gone from a scattered knowledge of Indian zoos and animals forest, Fowler soon learns the cold luxury to an integral part of animal to provide creative ideas that improve harsh realities of life inside Fossey’s care. Enrichment has also become the mental and physical wellbeing of enclave 10,000 feet up in the Virunga much more sophisticated and scien- animals in a zoo setting. Volcanoes. This story is the only first- tific in its practice. Dr Brij Kishor Gupta person account from inside Dian Fos- captures this in his new book, Enrich- The book feels especially relevant sey’s beleaguered camp. Fowler must ing Lives: Improving the Wellbeing of with the growing discussion on animal come to grips with his own aspirations, Captive Animals. wellness in zoos and discussions career objectives and disappointments about how to constantly improve the as he develops the physical endurance In Enriching Lives, Gupta gives a psychological wellbeing of animals to keep up with mountain gorillas over concise context of animal enrichment in human care. Now that enrichment volcanic terrain in icy downpours, only and its development before outlining has been established as a staple in to be confronted by the frightening extensive recommendations of how it modern animal care, we need to know charges of indignant giant silverbacks can be used. Gupta goes first by taxon how to use it – and Enriching Lives is or to be treed by aggressive forest buf- group and then specific species to lay a great resource for that purpose. falos. Back in camp, he must nurture out a variety of enrichment ideas ap- the sensitivity and patience needed propriate for the species in that group. Grayson Ponti, Zoophoria for the demands of rehabilitating an Every section breaks down enrichment orphaned baby gorilla. into 12 classifications, ensuring physi- ological needs and social enrichment/ www.ibpbooks.com On John Fowler’s book, Dr Jane groupings are met. Goodall said: “John Fowler is a born storyteller. Prepare to climb with him high up into the forest as you experience fear, exhaustion, rain-drenched chill, and, finally, the supreme thrill of proximity with the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas. It was her love for them, and her fight to save them, that finally alienated Dian Fossey from human society. Unpredictable, tormented and embittered, she now casts a dark shadow over this remote world.”

www.amazon.com

28 Update on International Studbooks (ISBs) The Ark and Beyond: The Evolution of Zoo and Changes between May 2017 and October 2018 Aquarium Conservation Edited by Ben A. Minteer, Number of active ISBs: As at 31 July 2018 there are 129 active international Jane Maienschein, James P. Collins studbooks (ISBs), including 141 species/subspecies (plus Partulids). Foreword by George Rabb The University of Chicago Press, ISBs archived 2018 • 528pp • Red wolf (Canis rufus) – WAZA thanks William Waddell and Point Defiance ISBN: 9780226538464 Zoo and Aquarium for their long‑term support towards this species ISB. • Vietnamese pheasant (Lophura hatinhensis) – This is now a former Scores of species and ecosystems species (L. hatinhensis), now considered an inbred phenotype of the around the world face a variety of hu- Edwards’s pheasant (L. edwardsi). WAZA thanks Dang Gia Tung man‑caused threats, from habitat de- (Hanoi Zoological Gardens), Alain Hennache and Julie Levrier struction and fragmentation to rapid (Parc de Clères), and Christopher Holmes (Houston Zoo) climate change. But there is hope, and for keeping this studbook. it, too, comes in a most human form: zoos and aquariums. Gathering a di- New ISBs approved verse, multi‑institutional collection of • None. leading zoo and aquarium scientists as well as historians, philosophers, New co‑keepers approved biologists and social scientists, The • Banteng (Bos javanicus) – Steve Metzler (San Diego Zoo Global, USA) Ark and Beyond traces the history and approved as co‑keeper. He will work with the ISB keeper for this species, underscores the present role of these Ivan Chandra, from Taman Safari, Indonesia. organisations as essential conservation actors. It also offers a framework Transfer of ISBs to new keepers for their future course, reaffirming • Black‑footed cat (Felis nigripes) to Kara Heynis that if zoos and aquariums make bio- (Lory Park Zoo and Owl Sanctuary South Africa) diversity conservation a top priority, • Crowned sifaka (Propithecus coronatus) to Luca Morino these institutions can play a vital role (Paris Zoo, France) in tackling conservation challenges of • Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox) to Johannes Pfeiderer global magnitude. (Duisburg Zoo, Germany) • Mexican grey wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) to Sarah Greely On the book, Dr Jenny Gray, President (The Living Desert, USA) of WAZA and Zoos Victoria CEO, said: • Northern bamboo lemur (Hapalemur occidentalis) to Luca Morino “The role of zoos and aquariums is con- (Paris Zoo, France) stantly evolving, particularly as there is • Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) to Antje Zimmermann pressure to increase their contribution (Rostock Zoo, Germany) to conservation. This collection ably • Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) to Jaroslav Šimek shows that zoos and aquariums are (Prague Zoo, Czech Republic) not a flotilla of little arks that have to • Red‑crowned crane (Grus japonensis) to Ami Nakajima be self‑sufficient. Rather, we should (Tama Zoological Park, Japan) be better grounded in the social fabric • Sand cat (Felis margarita) to Jérôme Catinaud (Parc des Félins, France) of our communities, better networked, • Southern pudu (Pudu puda) to Silja Heller (Wuppertal Zoo, Germany) and better connected to the animals outside our walls.” Transfer of ISBs to new institutions • Black lemur (Eulemur macaco) from Saint Louis Zoo, USA, to Peggy Hope from Indianapolis Zoo, USA • Blue‑eyed black lemur (Eulemur flavifrons) from Saint Louis Zoo, USA, www.amazon.com to Peggy Hope from Indianapolis Zoo, USA • Edwards’s pheasant (Lophura edwardsi) to Tobias Rhade (Berlin Zoo, Germany) • Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) from Zoo Dortmund, Germany, to Tim Schikora from Zoo Schwerin, Germany • Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) to Davi Ann Norsworthy (Lincoln Children’s Zoo, USA)

29 WAZA Membership Announcements

WAZA Says Buenos Días to Barcelona ......

WAZA embarked on a new phase in its 83-year history with the relocation of the Executive Office to Barcelona, Spain, in September. WAZA had been based in Gland, Switzerland since 2010.

WAZA’s new office is in a 1905 mod- ernist building near Plaça Catalunya in central Barcelona, and brings together the entire executive staff, which had previously been working separately across the globe for the past year. Facade of the building on “The past year has been an interesting Carrer de Roger de Llúria, Barcelona, Spain, where the WAZA office is newly located. challenge working across time zones © Gavrielle Kirk-Cohen and mostly through digital means, but now that the staff is together in one place we are able to work col- laboratively as a unified team,” said WAZA Chief Executive Officer, Doug Cress. “We look forward to continu- ing our work expanding the impact and reach of zoos and aquariums in animal welfare, wildlife conservation, community engagement and essential global issues.”

WAZA was founded as the Interna- tional Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens (IUDZG) in Basel, Switzerland, in 1935. The organisation ceased to exist during World War II. Following the war a new International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens (IUDZG) was created in Rotterdam in 1946. The name was then later changed to the IUDZG – World Zoo Organization in 1991, and relocated to Apple Valley, Minnesota, in the United States three years later.

The WAZA moniker was adopted in 2000, and the headquarters were shift- ed to Berne, Switzerland in 2001.

New WAZA office staff on the new office building stairs. From left to right, front row: Catriona Meehan, Doug Cress; back row: Gavrielle Kirk-Cohen, Janet Ho, Sabrina Brando, Martín Zordan. © WAZA Office

30 The 3rd Joint Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs) Chairs Meeting

Martín Zordan WAZA

After two previous successful Joint The 3rd Joint TAG Chairs meeting includ- EAZA Animal Welfare Working Group Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs) Chairs ed new sessions and more representa- explored how a balance between meetings, a third edition took place tion from the different regions. From population management and animal on 1–2 May 2018 in Budapest. The the European Association of Zoos and welfare goals can be reached through meeting, hosted by the Budapest Zoo Aquaria (EAZA) region, we learnt about the integration of different expertise & Botanical Garden, welcomed more how the Integrated Collection Assess- that is already available within our than 170 delegates from over 30 coun- ment and Planning (ICAP) process is community. tries, including animal programme being used as an effective tool to bring leaders, populations biologists and to life the new EAZA population man- This was also an opportunity for the specialists from the International agement structure. Additional sessions WAZA Committee for Population Man- Union for the Conservation of Nature provided opportunities to get updates agement (CPM) to meet and continue Species Survival Commission (IUCN – on some of the latest developments discussions about the International SSC), among others. across the WAZA network including the Studbooks, and the Global Species Association of Zoos and Aquariums Management Plans (GSMPs), among Dr Onnie Byers (Chair of the IUCN Con- (AZA), India’s Central Zoo Authority other matters. servation Planning Specialist Group – (CZA), Latin American Zoo and Aquar- CPSG) delivered a compelling keynote ium Association (ALPZA), Pan‑African The 3rd Joint TAG Chairs meeting offered presentation regarding the role TAGs Association of Zoos and Aquariums a unique opportunity to meet coun- can play in the Assess‑Plan‑Act con- (PAAZA) and the Species Conservation terparts from different regions. WAZA, servation framework that the IUCN Tool Initiative (SCTI). A representative AZA and EAZA extended travel grants to SSC promotes. Under this approach, from the Convention on International support 33 participants from different TAGs can increase their contribu- Trade in Endangered Species of Wild continents. tions by collaborating in the IUCN Fauna and Flora (CITES) invited the Red List assessments process, in the TAGs to collaborate and share their Planning has already begun for the 4th conservation planning phase and by unique expertise to help implement Joint TAG Chairs meeting, which will re- working on the implementation of the to this convention. turn to the United States in 2020. WAZA recommended conservation actions. and its partners will provide updates Hopefully, this model will further A new session on animal welfare was as details are confirmed. increase the effectiveness and value particularly appreciated and allowed of our conservation role. Additionally, for an interesting discussion on the there were several presentations that challenges and opportunities to fur- provided excellent case studies on ther promote optimal animal welfare. how different TAGs are adopting this A panel with speakers from Edinburgh framework and establishing valuable University, WAZA, the AZA Population partnerships with IUCN‑SSC Special- Management Centre, the AZA Repro- ists Groups. ductive Management Centre and the Group picture of participants. © Mirko Marseille – EAZA Executive Office

31 WAZA welcomed five new institutional members to its nearly 400-strong membership base, in 2018, following a one‑year pause on new membership applications. WAZA is pleased to welcome Kyoto City Zoo, Yorskhire Wildlife Park, Bergen Aquarium, Tennessee Aquarium and Johannesburg Zoo to the WAZA family. The five institutions will be the first of many as WAZA expands its membership base.

Kyoto City Zoo was founded in 1903 risk of extinction. The zoo, in coopera- and is the second‑oldest zoo in Japan, tion with Kyoto University, established and the first in Japan to be funded the Center for Research and Education largely by donations from local of Wildlife (CREW) in 2013. Kyoto City citizens. The zoo is an active partici- Zoo is also a member of the Japanese pant in species conservation projects, Association of Zoos and Aquariums breeding and caring for animals at (JAZA).

32 Introduction of New WAZA Members

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, in the United and the IUCN Climate Change Special- Kingdom, opened in 2009 with a mis- ist Group for polar bear conservation. sion to focus on animal welfare as The park works with animal welfare well as conservation and education. organisations across Asia to help The park is committed to link ex situ improve animal welfare in zoos and conservation to in situ conservation sanctuaries across the continent. with research and financial support. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is also a mem- The Yorkshire Wildlife Park Foundation ber of the British and Irish Association is a registered charity and supports of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and many conservation projects, such as the European Association of Zoos and working with Polar Bears international Aquaria (EAZA).

33 Introduction of New WAZA Members

Bergen Aquarium is the biggest programmes for schools and hosts aquarium in Norway and is one of many kindergartens during the year. Bergen’s biggest tourist attractions. Bergen aquarium has a strong focus The aquarium opened in 1960 and on marine litter and highlights the has undergone changes over the issue through its education exhibits. past couple of years, including the The aquarium is also a member of development of new exhibits. The EAZA. aquarium participates in educational

34 The Tennessee Aquarium, United States of America opened in 1992 with a mission to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. The aquarium celebrates the rich biodiversity of the south‑eastern United States and is actively engaged in preserving and restoring the local biodiversity through its work in the field. The aquarium’s research arm, the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, is focused on restoring freshwater ecosystems and helping people appreciate the need for environmental health in their region. The Ten- nessee Aquarium is also a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

A family enjoying an educational feeding show at Tennessee Aquarium. © Tennessee Aquarium Inside the Tennessee Aquarium. © Tennessee Aquarium

35 © Johannesburg Zoo The Johannesburg Zoo in South Africa was established in 1904 and is home to 1,800 animals and 320 species. The Zoo’s vision is to be recognised as the Gauteng province’s environmental and wildlife destination of choice through conservation, recreation, education and research. In the early 2000s, the zoo redeveloped many of its enclosures to meet international standards. Johannesburg has received international recognition for its wattled crane and amphibian conservation programmes, and earlier this year reintroduced 200 endangered Pickersgill’s reed frogs back into the wild. The Zoo has an off‑site facility in the Free State of South Africa, where it intends to establish a wattled crane breeding and conservation facility. Johannesburg Zoo is also a member of the Pan‑African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA). © Johannesburg Zoo

36 Give your visitors a digital experience

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Aratag’s CMS software makes it easy for you to create and update customized app content, including menus, text, videos, AR, and active links.

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Contact Pangea Rocks for an on-site demonstration of how Aratag gives you the power to deliver enhanced visitor experiences.

Contact us for more information: Address: Aratag is designed and Email: [email protected] Aratag / Pangea Rocks A/S developed by Pangea Rocks A/S Phone: +45 60 94 34 32 Navervej 13 in collaboration with Aalborg Mobile : +45 53 80 34 32 6800 Varde, Denmark University. ISSN: 1662-7733