BIAZA honours zoo and aquarium ‘hero’ volunteers with awards

BIAZA has been awarding volunteer ‘heroes’ across their member zoos and aquariums for their outstanding contributions in a special new award. The ‘Zoo and Aquarium Hero’ award has been conferred to a select few individuals who have made a special contribution to zoos and aquariums.

Awarded secretly over the past month, a grand total of 14 volunteers from zoos and aquariums across the UK and Ireland were recognised for the fantastic support they offered to BIAZA members. They join existing Heroes, including fundraisers who supported zoos over the pandemic and TV stars Aaron, Tyler and Cam Whitnall – hosts of CBBC’s One Zoo three.

Dr Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA said: “We were blown away by the dedication and innovative work of our winning Zoo and Aquarium Heroes. These volunteers are giving up their time to help the zoo communities’ mission in protecting nature and creating a better world. Whether that is consistently caring for some of the world’s most wonderful animals or sharing their passion for nature on social media.”

“The natural world is in crisis. It is a world that needs heroes more than ever before. We are so pleased to celebrate their achievements today.”

It is hoped the Zoo and Aquarium Heroes will continue to share their passion of the animal world and keep inspiring others to make a difference.

Congratulations to the following volunteer heroes:

Yvonne & Len DesBois, Exmoor Zoo

Martin Bayliss, Drusillas Zoo Park

Geoff Cutting, ZSL London Zoo

Jill Bee, National Marine Aquarium

Phil Copleand, WWT Slimbridge

Jan Leak, The Deep

Ultan, Amelia and Isme, Galway Atlantaquaria

Andy Cross, Dartmoor Zoo

Chris Basset, Shaldon Wildlife Trust

Arfan Aziz, ZSL London Zoo

Sarah Kinson, Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park