MAXIMIZE: As an IZE member, staying informed is key.
This page provides you with the latest news about IZE programs, member accomplishments, upcoming events, and developments in the field of conservation education.
The Education Department at Guadalajara Zoo is pleased to share one of its longest-running educational programs, which has been offered for more than 20 years: Night Camps. This unique experience allows participants to spend a night at the zoo while discovering the fascinating adaptations of nocturnal animals through games, interactive talks, and a nighttime rally. During the activity, participants take on the role of a nocturnal species and embark on an exciting journey through “the world” after dark.
Throughout the adventure, participants put all five senses to the test. They navigate dark environments, take part in a “Taste Challenge” that explores the senses of taste and smell, and remain alert to every sound as they avoid both natural predators and human predators who attempt to interrupt their journey.
This immersive experience helps dispel common myths surrounding nocturnal animals and the darkness of the night itself.
The Night Camps welcome elementary school groups, university students, and families, providing an engaging and memorable way to learn about the adaptations of nocturnal wildlife. Participants also explore the importance of food webs and gain a deeper understanding of how human actions can positively or negatively influence natural ecosystems.
At Africam Safari, children are at the heart of wonder, discovery, and care. A long-term commitment to working with the sons, daughters, and grandchildren of staff members between the ages of 6 and 11 is a key priority. Since November 2024, the Escuadrón Jabato (Wild Boar Squad) has positively impacted participants’ holistic development by creating meaningful learning experiences that strengthen both their social and educational growth.
Grounded in the principles of care-based pedagogy, environmental education, and active learning, Escuadrón Jabato promotes collaborative learning and has successfully built a “sounder” of 30 participants. Sessions are held every two weeks at Africam Safari and are scheduled to align with the working hours of parents and grandparents. The program has also established partnerships with professionals who contribute to the children’s learning and exploration process.
Each session includes two key components: (1) discovering different areas of the park as living classrooms, where participants learn about animal welfare and engage with conservation programs; and (2) using play as a pedagogical tool to encourage meaningful, participatory, and contextualized learning.
Consistent engagement with children in informal learning environments such as zoological institutions fosters profound personal growth and creates lasting positive impacts at both the social and environmental levels.
Photo: Dr Sarah Thomas, IZE President (Auckland Zoo) and David Field, WAZA President (RZSS Scotland) sign the WAZA-IZE MOU
During this week’s WAZA Council meeting, the International Zoo Educators Association (IZE) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) renewed and extended our longstanding Memorandum of Understanding, reaffirming a strong strategic partnership focused on global leadership in conservation education.
Building on years of collaboration, this renewed agreement strengthens our shared commitment to advancing Social Change for Conservation: the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Education Strategy, a unified global framework guiding educational practices across the global zoo and aquarium community.
Through this collaboration, WAZA and IZE will continue to:
– Strengthen member capacity in communication, education, and behaviour change
– Develop and promote a shared global narrative on the societal value of zoos and aquariums
– Facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across regions
– Extend the reach and impact of both organisations at a global level
Together, WAZA and IZE will continue to align their expertise, resources, and global networks to support their members in advancing their educational and social impact.
Somehow, it’s been three (and a bit) months since my appointment as IZE President, and I wanted to give you all an update on the milestones and moments from the last quarter, which have been so full of connection, momentum, and inspiration that time has had trouble keeping up.
As I settle into this role as IZE President, I’ve been continually reminded of what an extraordinary community we are. Here’s a quick look at what we – the global IZE family – have achieved together over the last 3 months.
Strengthening Our Foundations
One of our highlights has been appointing a new IZE Journal Editor, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to share knowledge, elevate practice, and highlight the incredible work happening across regions. I’m excited about how the Journal will continue to evolve and showcase our collective expertise. Congratulations to Lauren Cole from Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Conference planning is also well underway for our next IZE Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Every update from the team makes me more excited, the energy, the ideas, the collaboration, and of course, our hosts, Two Oceans Aquarium. It’s all building towards a truly memorable gathering in 2026.
Welcoming New Faces
Over the past quarter, it’s been renewal time for your IZE membership, and we are thrilled by the number of institutions, individuals, and associated members who have continued to renew, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to conservation education and the value IZE membership brings to our zoo and aquarium community.
Special welcome to the brand-new institutional member, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Canada.
I had the pleasure of chairing two IZE Board meetings and welcoming three wonderful new board members: Francis William Ruhinirwa (Frank), the Africa Regional Representative; Rina Rajagukguk, the East and Southeast Asia Regional Representative; and Maria Eugenia Martínez Arizmendi (Maru), the Latin America Regional Representative. Their leadership and regional insights are already strengthening the board’s work, and I’m so grateful for the time and expertise they bring. Learn more about Frank, Rina, and Maru, and the rest of the IZE Board here.
Celebrating Global Impact
This quarter has been rich with milestones worth celebrating:
IZE joined forces with WAZA in launching the special publication Leading Social Change for Biodiversity Conservation, featuring 14 powerful stories of real conservation impact from around the world. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s well worth a read: https://www.waza.org/blog/from-hope-to-impact-14-stories-of-change/ .
We marked International Zoo and Aquarium Educators Day on November 13, 2025, with our highest-ever global participation rate! Seeing the creativity and passion from so many conservation educators around the world reminded me why this IZE community is so collectively impactful.
Launching the Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program
Another milestone I’m particularly delighted to report on from this quarter is the official launch of the Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program (ELMP). This initiative has been a long time in the making and reflects one of IZE’s core commitments: supporting the next generation of conservation education leaders.
The program offers professional development for mid-career conservation educators through a mix of one-on-one mentorship, master classes with experts, and guided project work, culminating at the next IZE Conference. It’s all about building confidence, strengthening skills, and creating space for emerging leaders to grow and shine.
This year’s cohort are:
Sarah Martin, Manager of Education Programs, Wildlife Conservation Society – New York Aquarium (USA)
Ariel Segura, Zoo Apprenticeship Program (ZAP) Coordinator, Oregon Zoo (USA)
Lizzie Seymour, Learning Technology Officer, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (Scotland)
Kaitlin Van Der Linden, Edmonton, Alberta (Canada)
I’m so excited to follow their journeys, support their growth, and learn from the insights they’ll bring to our community. And thanks to all the mentors and the ELMP team for their hard work in getting this off the ground.
Which makes it the perfect time for what comes next: We’re about to begin a new project with WAZA, gathering stories, examples, and reflections on how this strategy has shaped the work of conservation educators and the wider zoo and aquarium community. I’m genuinely excited to shine a light on these impacts, both the transformational shifts and the quieter, everyday changes that add up to something collectively powerful. Watch this space and our socials on how you can contribute soon.
Gratitude, Always
These first months have reinforced what I’ve always known about IZE: we are stronger together. Thank you to everyone who has shared ideas, offered support, stepped forward, or simply kept doing the important work you do every day.
If the first three months are anything to go by, I can’t wait to see what the next quarter brings.
Best wishes, Sarah IZE President
Dr Sarah Thomas Head of Conservation Advocacy and Engagement Auckland Zoo. Aotearoa, New Zealand
In 2026, IZE launched the Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program (ELMP), a new initiative designed to foster professional growth within our community. This year, we are piloting the program with an inaugural cohort of five mentors and five mentees.
ELMP represents a strategic evolution of our commitment to member success. Following an extensive review of the long-standing Sponsored Delegates Program (SDP) and its impact over the last decade, the Board recognized an opportunity to better align our resources with current member needs.
To ensure this new direction was member-led, we conducted focus groups to identify the most pressing professional development gaps. The feedback was clear: there is a significant demand for dedicated mentorship for mid-career conservation educators. ELMP was created specifically to meet that need.
Support for Our Mentees
We are proud to support our ELMP Mentees in their professional journey. Much like our previous delegates, mentees receive comprehensive support to attend the annual conference, including:
Guaranteed placement in the conference program.
Waived registration fees.
Covered accommodation costs for the duration of the event.
(Note: All other travel-related expenses remain the responsibility of the participant.)
We look forward to learning alongside this first cohort and showcasing the mentees’ impactful work at the 2026 Conference!
