Blog: “In 2026 we can and we will achieve so much together” – BIAZA CEO Dr Jo Judge looks forward

BIAZA’s CEO Dr Jo Judge reflects on 2025 and asks; what’s next for Britain and Ireland’s zoos and aquariums? 

Inside, sheltering from the winter cold, January feels like a natural time to take stock of the year before. For BIAZA 2025 was a whirlwind year. With the addition of Fundraising and Grants Consultant Clare, the BIAZA Executive Office team became the largest it has been and more capable than ever of delivering for our member zoos and aquariums.  

As usual 2025 was filled with joyful news of new animals from our members, whether its Blackpool Zoo’s elephant calf, moon bears at Manor House Wildlife Park or even glutinous snails! Like many I was relieved that Paignton and Newquay Zoos found investors willing to take these zoos forward with exciting proposals that will transform these zoos. 

I am particularly pleased that as a team we managed to see more of our member sites than ever – collectively visiting over 50 zoos and aquariums, from the National Marine Aquarium to Ireland’s Emerald Park and a Christmas meet-up at Wingham Wildlife Park. This was no mean feat because in 2025 we grew again and welcomed even more members – which I think demonstrates the importance of BIAZA in supporting the sector.  

BIAZA Trustee Stevie Sheppard presents at the Gala Dinner and Awards at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park.  

2025 was also landmark year for zoos and aquariums. Years of investment into political relationships came to a head with the launch of the new Standards for Modern Zoo Practice in Great Britain in May. BIAZA engaged with all aspects of the consultation while the standards were being drafted, representing comments and suggestions from across our members and committees, and we were pleased to see that many of the changes we suggested were adopted in the final version. We are delighted that so many of our members are already meeting these new licensing standards, which are the amongst the highest standards in the world and something we can be rightly proud of. Our work now continues pulling together resources and events to support our members with all aspects of these new standards. 

Our work to make animal transfers easier continued with zeal and we are delighted to say, that substantially more international animal transfers were made in 2025 than in 2024.  

The energy and enthusiasm from our members meant that our campaigns reached new heights in 2025. BIAZA and Marwell founded the first Scimitar-Horned Oryx Day, and Spotted on Site reached over 50,000 observations, making more conservation data than ever. 

BIAZA celebrated the first Scimitar-Horned Oryx Day on 16 August. 

Significantly, BIAZA completed its first full year of accreditation with huge success. We have already seen many real benefits for the animals in the care of our zoos and aquariums, with new facilities and ways of working. Feedback from members has shown how valuable the process is for supporting positive change in zoos and aquariums. Accreditation has also allowed BIAZA to have an even better understanding of the work going on at our members, which will mean we are better able to both support you and champion the amazing things you do.  

But I want to look ahead to 2026 too.  

From July, Ireland will hold the Presidency of the EU Council, which will give us an exciting political opportunity to address some of the policy issues facing our members. Particularly as we continue to lobby for a fit-for-purpose SPS Agreement. At the time of writing, we are gearing up for our Great British Wildlife Restoration reception which is set to be the biggest ever, enabling us to demonstrate the huge range of native species work carried out with the involvement of zoos and aquariums to politicians.

A record number of projects have been shortlisted for this year’s Great British Wildlife Restoration award.  

BIAZA will continue to campaign for a stronger, more uniform and better resourced zoo licensing Inspection process. We know that in many cases member zoos and aquariums feel let down by a licensing system that is best described as inconsistent.  

I look forward to another full year of conferences and workshops. I have no doubt that the Annual Conference at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo will be a highlight of the year. I adore Edinburgh and I know that this year’s agenda will speak to the biggest trends, issues and opportunities facing the sector. 

However, I know that many challenges will lie ahead. Challenging economic conditions in Britain and Ireland and geopolitical conditions around the world means this year is likely to be a difficult one for many members. While support for our zoos and aquariums remains really strong, undoubtedly the public are feeling the pinch. What I know for certain is this; together as a community, we are stronger. That is what we are all about. BIAZA was established 60 years ago to raise zoo practice, encourage cooperation, provide a collective voice and promote the conservation, educational and scientific credibility of the sector. While exactly how we do this may have changed, the ethos and values remain the same. 

I want to thank everyone who made 2025 such a success, whether that was volunteering on a BIAZA group, providing a venue or just getting stuck in with our campaigns. I especially want to thank the amazing BIAZA Executive Office team for everything they do to support me and our members. I am confident that in 2026 we can, and we will, achieve so much more together. 

- Dr Jo Judge, BIAZA CEO