60 years of BIAZA

Dr Jo Judge, BIAZA CEO, on the Association’s 60 years and the immense evolution of zoos and the natural world during that time:

When our founders first met to establish the Federation of Zoological Gardens of Britain and Ireland (as it was known), they could hardly have expected that it would become the incredible community it is today. They would have been unlikely to anticipate the huge evolution we have seen in zoos in that time. Perhaps, sadly, they might have anticipated the shocking decline in nature around the world which we are bearing witness to. Although I’m sure the sheer scale of that fight would have taken them by surprise.  

For 60 years BIAZA has been committed to improving our zoos and aquariums, bringing them to work together to create a better world for people and wildlife.  Over those 60 years the organisations has adapted and changed to match the sector and its challenges.  

Originally founded by some of the biggest organisations in the sector such as ZSL, Twycross Zoo and Chester Zoo, now the majority of BIAZA members are smaller organisations with a big impact. For example in 1966, conservation breeding programmes had scarcely begun – and are now a massive part of the wider zoo network. BIAZA members are part of 1048 different conservation projects – with species ranging from dung beetles to elephants.  Over the years the Federation of Zoos was staffed by a very small team, even at times one individual.

Presently, BIAZA is the largest it has been, with members of the Executive Office team delivering across a range of subjects including sustainability, training, political campaigning and species reintroductions.  

In its various forms, BIAZA has always had animal welfare at its heart, and has sought to improve conditions for the animals in the care of its members (and further afield). Nowadays BIAZA has a world-class accreditation scheme. Introduced 2 years ago, accreditation ensures that members are reaching the very highest standards in animal welfare, conservation, education and research. This goes above and beyond zoo licensing (which themselves are some of the highest licensing standards in the world). This is a monumental step forward in driving positive change for animals and demonstrating zoo and aquarium leadership.  

BIAZA celebrated its 60th birthday, with birthday cake (how else?)  at its Annual Conference at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo. Alongside the dancing and bagpipes, it was fitting that the Conference was once again focussed on improving the zoo and aquarium sector. Whether that was looking at inexpensive but highly effective invertebrate conservation, using biodiversity net gain as an income stream, or super-powering our education provision.  

There is so much to look forward to over the next 60 years. Our native species conservation work is making a difference in the fight for a wilder Britain and Ireland, with recent projects for glutinous snails, red squirrels and undulate rays. Politically we go from strength to strength, as evidenced by our recent sit down with the UK Nature Minister, and it is my ambition that our accreditation system will become the trusted kitemark for families looking for unforgettable days out that that support animals.  

I know all of us at BIAZA feel honoured to be part of 60 years of progress for animals, people, zoos and aquariums.  

By Dr Jo Judge,  CEO, BIAZA