It was an honor like no other: for the first time in its history, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) hosted its annual executive-level policy conference outside the United States. The location? Atlantis Paradise Island!
We rolled out the “blue” carpet for more than 250 top leaders from zoos and aquariums around the world. The AZA Directors’ Policy Conference is one of the most prestigious gatherings in the conservation community, convening directors and chief executives from leading zoos and aquariums across North and South America, Europe, and beyond. These leaders are responsible not only for the care and well-being of hundreds of thousands of animals and the engagement of millions of visitors each year, but also for shaping conservation priorities, education strategies, and sustainability initiatives at a global scale. In between their meetings, the directors toured and learned about our extensive conservation initiatives, animal welfare programs, and rescue efforts.
Dr. Hayley Murphy, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Zoological Society
“It’s amazing to be here. It’s a beautiful place, beautiful people, the people have been so welcoming! To learn the story of conservation that is so critical to the mission here, it’s really uplifting and gives me hope, honestly, for the future of our planet.”
David Field, President, World Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
“One of the most amazing things that we can do as zoos and aquaria is inspire people … to care for nature. Biodiversity is under such pressure that we need everybody to love nature a little bit more and that’s what’s happening here. That’s what I’ve seen here at Atlantis.”
Chris Enright, Sr. Director, Zoological Operations, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Canada
“I’ve really been impressed with the lengths that the staff here go to engage with the guests, to give them a great experience and to connect them with the animals in front of them.”
Heidi Rahn, Director, Oregon Zoo
“Working with endangered species is a key focus for zoos and aquariums and it’s the role we play to help protect animals in the wild. Atlantis is helping to recover those species and help keep them safe and reintroduce them (to the wild) when they can. I think Atlantis has been a great host for the leaders of zoos and aquariums across the world so thank you, Atlantis!”