WAZA RESOLUTIONS 1946 – 2010
A complete listing of WAZA Resolutions adopted at the Annual Conferences
List of Resolutions Year
Conferences
1946 Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 23-25 September 1946 1946 Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 23-25 September 1946 1947 Basel, Switzerland, 8-10 September 1947 1947 Basel, Switzerland, 8-10 September 1947 1947 Basel, Switzerland, 8-10 September 1947 1948 Paris, France, 28 June-3 July 1948
Resolutions
RES NR.
Trade in wild animals
1.1
Wisent
1.2
Approval of the 1st Constitution, decision to make Paris the headquarters of the Union and to use French and English as ist official languages with the french text prevailing over all others Resolution on the donation of animals to Warsaw Zoo
2.2
2.1
Decision to the effect that Antwerp Zoo should keep record on okapis
2.3
Founding of Zoos
3.1
1949 Copenhagen, Denmark, 5-8 September 1949 1949 Copenhagen, Denmark, 5-8 September 1949 1950 London, UK, 2-6 June 1950
Decision to become a Member of IUPN (IUCN)
4.1
Ratification of the (amended) Constitution
4.2
1951 Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 4-7 June 1951 1952 Rome, Italy, 15-20 September 1952
none on the restoration of extinct species
7.1
1953 Antwerp, Belgium, 14-19 September 1953 1954 Copenhagen, Denmark, 21-25 June 1954 1955 Basel, Switzerland, 5-8 September 1955 1956 Chicago, USA, 5-8 June 1956
Adoption of the Zoologischer garten as the official journal
8.1
(Decision on membership fee (USD 5.-))
9.1
on the passing of Axel Reevntlov
10.1
condemning certain practices
11.1
1957 Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 12-17 May 1957 1957 Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 12-17 May 1957 1958 Frankfurt, Germany, 27-31 August 1958 1959 Copenhagen, Denmark, 30 August-3 September 1959 1960 Cologne, Germany, 1-5 September 1960 1961 Rome, Italy, 24-28 September 1961
(Decision on increase in membership fee (from 5.- to USD 10.-), debate on Permanent Secretary) Decision to establish an "Aadmissions committee"
12.2 12.1
appealing to Chinese Government
13.1
none - except decision in principle to admit members from Germany
none endorsing IUCN’s African Special Project
15.1
none
1962 San Diego, USA, 30 September-5 October 1962 1963 Chester, UK, 1963
none
1964 Taronga, Australia 26-30 October 1964 1965 Berlin, Germany, 31 August-3 September 1965 1966 Colombo, Sri Lanka, 25-30 October 1966 1966 Colombo, Sri Lanka, 25-30 October 1966 1966 Colombo, Sri Lanka, 25-30 October 1966 1967 Barcelona, Spain, 23-27 October 1967 1968 Pretoria, South Africa, 15 October 1968 1968 Pretoria, South Africa, 15 October 1968 1968 Pretoria, South Africa, 18 October 1968 1969 New York, USA, 5-12 October 1969
Resolution on the establishment of an International Union of Zoological Gardens
18.1 & 18.2 19.1
Adoption of a new constitution
20.1
Decision on the establishment of 11 new International Studbooks
21.1
Decision to note all endangered species by WWF Red Labels
22.1
Resolution on Monkey-eating eagle
22.2
Endangered Species
?
Resolution to protect zoo animals against misues for publicity purposes
23.1
Resolution on Animal Transport
23.2
Resolution on the Purchase of Orang-Utans from the Wild Animal Propagation Trust
23.3
Central Office & Endangered Species
1970 East Berlin, GDR, 5-12 October 1970
none (except to provide at the Union's expense two copies of the IZY to members who cannot afford to buy them)
24.1 & 24.2 25.1
Resolution 1 and 2
1971 Prague, CSSR, 9-14 September 1971 Zoo Liaison Group
26.1
1972 Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 8-12 September 1972 1972 Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 8-12 September 1972 1973 Tokyo and Inyuma, Japan, 21-27 October 1973
Amendment of the Constitution
27.2
Zoo Liaison Group
27.1
none but see Amsterdam, Amendment of the Constitution
2
1974 Basel, Switzerland, 13-17 October 1974
none (note Rules which had been approved and printed were distributed) Note also rejection of IZE-Predecessor Organisation as observer
1975 none 1976 none 1977 none 1978 none 1979 Warsaw, Poland, 21-26 October 1979 Amendment of the Constitution
34.2
1979 Warsaw, Poland, 21-26 October 1979 International Studbook Policies
34.1
1980 none
Amendment of the Constitution
1981 none 1982 none 1983 Melbourne, Australia, 1983
IUDZG Policy Statement
38.1
1984 Flevohof, The Netherlands, 27 September 1984 1985 Calgary, Canada, 1985
Statement on the Future of the Golden Lion Tamarin
39.1
Taking of Specimens of Species listed on Appendix I of CITES as part of a captive breeding Conservation Programme
40.1
1986 Wroclaw, Poland, 4 September 1986
Statement on Black Rhino
41.1
1986 Wroclaw, Poland, 4 September 1986
Statement on Cetacea
41.2
1987 Bristol, UK, 7-11 September 1987
State Gifts of Animals
42.1
1988 Stuttgart, Germany, 15 September 1988 1988 Stuttgart, Germany, 15 September 1988 1988 Stuttgart, Germany, 15 September 1988 1988 Stuttgart, Germany, 15 September 1988 1989 San Antonio, USA, 17-21 September 1989 1989 San Antonio, USA, 17-21 September 1989 1989 San Antonio, USA, 17-21 September 1989 1990 Copenhagen, Denmark, 30 August 1990 1991 Singapore, 30 September-3 Otober 1991 1991 Singapore, 30 September-3 Otober 1991 1991 Singapore, 30 September-3 Otober 1991 1991 Singapore, 30 September-3 Otober 1991 1992 Vancouver, Canada, 6-10 September 1992 1992 Vancouver, Canada, 6-10 September 1992 1992 Vancouver, Canada, 6-10 September 1992 1994 Sao Paulo, Brazil, 29 August-1 September 1994 1995 Sao Paulo, Brazil, 29 August-1 September 1994 1995 Dublin, Ireland, 1-5 October 1995
IUDZG Policy on Education
43.1
IUDZG Position on Orphan Gorillas
43.2
Resolution on a World Heritage Species Plan
43.3
Resolution on the International Species Information System ISIS
43.4
IUCN Policy Statement on Research Involving Species at Risk of Extinction
44.2
IUCN Policy Statement on State Gifts of Animals
44.3
International Animal Movements - General Statement
44.1
Resolution on the Conservation of the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleucea)
45.1
London Zoo
46.2
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
46.4
Giant Pandas
46.1
Permits and Legislation
46.3
Przewalski Horse - Global Heritage Species
47.3
Save the Wildlife Decade
47.2
IUDZG – The World Zoo Organization to SSC
47.1
Vu-Quang Nature Reserve
49.2
Ratification Int. Convention on Biological Diversity & Int. Framework Convention on Climate Change Resolution on the Implementation of the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity (Joint IUCN/SSC/CBSG and WAZA Resolution)
49.1
1996 Denver, USA, 25-29 August 1996
WAZA Policy on Collection Planning
51.6
50.1
1996 Denver, USA, 25-29 August 1996
WAZA’s Philosophy on International Training and Technology Transfer
51.5
1996 Denver, USA, 25-29 August 1996
WAZA Policy Statement on Professional Training and Technology Transfer
51.7
1996 Denver, USA, 25-29 August 1996
Marine and Coastal Biolgical Diversity
51.1
1996 Denver, USA, 25-29 August 1996
Heini Hediger Award Guidelines
51.3
1996 Denver, USA, 25-29 August 1996
CIRCC
51.8
1996 Denver, USA, 25-29 August 1996
WAZA Position Statement on Conservation Education
51.2
1996 Denver, USA, 25-29 August 1996
live fish and invertebrates
51.4
1997 Berlin, Germany, 17-21 August 1997
Mission, Goals and Values Statement
52.2
1997 Berlin, Germany, 17-21 August 1997
Statement on Conservation Education
52.1
1998 Nagoya, Japan, 12-16 October 1998 1999 Pretoria, South Africa, 1999
53.1 Establishment of a Permanent Secretariat
54.1
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2000 none 2001 Perth, Australia, 22-25 October 2001
Resolution on Bushmeat
56.1
2002 Vienna, Austria, 13-17 August 2002
Marketing Committee Resolutions
57.1
2002 Vienna, Austria, 13-17 August 2002
Resolution on a Code of Animal Welfare
57.2
2002 Vienna, Austria, 13-17 August 2002
Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare
57.3
2003 San José, Costa Rica, 16-20 November 2003 2003 San José, Costa Rica, 16-20 November 2003 2003 San José, Costa Rica, 16-20 November 2003 2003 San José, Costa Rica, 16-20 November 2003 2003 San José, Costa Rica, 16-20 November 2003 2003 San José, Costa Rica, 16-20 November 2003 2003 San José, Costa Rica, 16-20 November 2003 2003 San José, Costa Rica, 16-20 November 2003 2004 Taipei, Taiwan, 31 October-4 November 2004 2004 Taipei, Taiwan, 31 October-4 November 2004 2004 Taipei, Taiwan, 31 October-4 November 2004 2005 New York, USA, 2-6 October 2005
Criteria for Establishing and Intl. Studbook
58.1
Procedures & Responsibilities for Inter-Reg. ex-situ Mgmt. Programs
58.2
Responsibilities for Intl. Studboks
58.3
Intl. Studbooks & the Intl. Coordinator
58.4
WAZA Code of Ethics & Animal Welfare
58.5
Guidelines on confiscated animals
58.6
ISIS and ZIMS
58.7
Mission
58.8
Importance of Education
59.1
Interpretation of the Code of Ethics
59.2
Future Amendment to the By-Laws
59.3
Animal Transfers between Regions
60.2
2005 New York, USA, 2-6 October 2005
Cooperations between Associations
60.3
2005 New York, USA, 2-6 October 2005
Flight Restraint in Birds
60.4
2005 New York, USA, 2-6 October 2005
Heini Hediger Award
60.5
2005 New York, USA, 2-6 October 2005
The Import and Keeping of Elephants
60.6
2005 New York, USA, 2-6 October 2005
Member in-situ Conservation Involvement
60.7
2005 New York, USA, 2-6 October 2005
The Conduct of Reserach on Animals by Zoos and Aquariums
60.8
2005 New York, USA, 2-6 October 2005
Statement on Studbook Data Stewardship
60.9
2005 New York, USA, 2-6 October 2005
The use of Transponders for animal identification
60.1
2005 New York, USA, 2-6 October 2005
Amphibian Extinction Crises
60.10
2006 New York, USA, 2-6 October 2005
Improving Standards in Zoos
60.11
2006 Leipzig, Germany, 28-31 August 2006 2006 Leipzig, Germany, 28-31 August 2006 2006 Leipzig, Germany, 28-31 August 2006 2006 Leipzig, Germany, 28-31 August 2006 2007 Leipzig, Germany, 28-31 August 2006 2007 Budapest, Hungary, 26-30 August 2007 2007 Budapest, Hungary, 26-30 August 2007 2007 Budapest, Hungary, 26-30 August 2007 2008 Adelaide, Australia, 19-23 October 2008 2008 Adelaide, Australia, 19-23 October 2008 2009 St. Louis, USA, 4-8 October 2009
Guidelines on Access and Benefit Sharing
61.1
Amphibian Ark
61.2
Recommendations on Avian Influenza
61.3
Climate Change
61.4
Charter for WAZA/IZE Education Committee
61.5
Gharial Resolution
62.1
WAZA Guidelines for Improving Standards in Zoos
62.2
Responsibilities regarding Intern ational Studbooks and Global Species Management Programmes Trade in Animal Body Parts etc
62.3 63.1
Conservation Breeding
63.2
Sustainability
64.1
2010 Cologne, Germany, 17-21 October 2010
Climate Change
65.1
This compilation of IUDZG/WAZA Resolutions does not include changes to the Constitution.
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Capture of and Trade in Wild Animals RES.1.1 All participants* are in favour of a severe control of the governments for the capture and the trading of wild animals; they claim an international agreement on the subject. Adopted at the Constitutional (1st Annual) Conference, Foundation Royal Rotterdam Zoo, The Netherlands, 23 to 25 September 1946 * The participants were: • H. Hediger, Basel Zoo, Switzerland • K. Kuiper, Rotterdam Zoo, The Netherlands • A. Reventlow, Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark • A. Urbain, Paris Zoo, France • W. Van den Bergh, Antwerp Zoo, Belgium • J. Zabinski, Warsaw Zoo, Poland
Conservation of the European Bison RES.1.2 The assembly resolved: 1. That the International Society for the Preservation of the European Bison* should be re-constituted as soon as possible. 2. That the Studbook should be completed as soon as possible and published in English. 3. That the State of Poland, which possessed the majority of living specimens of this rare species should take the initiative in this matter 4. That all actual and future information referring to the biology (breeding, diseases, deaths etc.) of the European bison should be transmitted to Dr. Zabinski, Zoological Garden, Warsaw, Poland. Adopted at the Constitutional (1st Annual) Conference, Foundation Royal Rotterdam Zoo, The Netherlands, 23 to 25 September 1946 * Internationale Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung des Wisents
Establishment of the International Okapi Studbook* RES.2.1 The assembly resolved o that Antwerp Zoo should keep records of the Okapi in captivity Adopted at the 2nd Annual Conference, Zoologischer Garten Basel 8 to 10 September 1947 * original text currently not available
Founding of Zoos RES.3.1 It is urgent to arrive at an international convention to forbid the founding of a new zoological garden or park without license from the government concerned, which license will be given only when there is sufficient guarantee that the new establishment will be a non-lucrative institution of educational value run on a scientific base. In the minutes of the I.C.O.M. meeting a recommendation conform to this summary will be included. Adopted at the 3rd Annual Conference, Paris Zoo, France, 28 June to 3 July 1948
Decision on IUPN (IUCN) Membership RES.4.1 The assembly decided o that the new Board will definitely confirm the membership of the IUDZG in the International Union for the Protection of Nature o that the Board will have to inform IUPN that, as members have not so far paid an annual subscription to the Union, IUDZ regrets that at any rate for the time being only moral support can be given to the International Union
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for the Protection of Nature Adopted at the 4th Annual Conference, Copenhagen Zoo, Denmark 5 to 8 September 1949
Extinct Animal Species RES.7.1 The IUDZG endorses the following resolution, which was passed at the German Zoo Directors’ Conference in Frankfurt on the 11th September 1952: “The German Union of Zoo Directors affirms that, from the point of view of scientific research, extinct animals cannot b reconstructed. So-called “back breeding” can at most only produce new forms of domesticated animals, which may perhaps resemble the extinct types. A most important function of Zoological Gardens is the keeping of wild forms, which are in danger of extermination.” Adopted at the – 7th Annual Conference, held at Rome, Italy, 15 to 20 September 1952
Adoption of “Der Zoologische Garten” as the official journal of the Union RES.8.1 The Meeting o adopted “Der Zoologische Garten” published by Professor Dr. K. M. Schneider as the official organ of the Union. o Decided to add a ninth point to the project which was circulated to all members, specifying that “no additional financial responsibility should evolve upon the Union”. Adopted at the –8th Annual Conference, held at Antwerp, Belgium, 14 to 19 September 1953
Passing of Axel Reventlow RES.10.1 WHEREAS Axel Reventlow, who since 1943 was the able and respected Director of the Zoological Garden in Copenhagen, Denmark, and who, in 1949, was elected to the office of Vice-President of the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens and, in 1951, was elected to the honourable office of President of the International Union; and WHEREAS he unselfishly devoted his time, ability and energy to the cultural development and to the civic and business welfare of the community, in which he lived; and WHEREAS Axel Reventlow was beloved and honoured because of his outstanding character, for long and distinguished service in his chosen profession and for his exceptional qualities of leadership and good citizenship; and WHEREAS his sudden and untimely passing on December 11th, 1954, has been noted with profound regret by his colleagues of this Union, and by his multitude of friends everywhere; now, therefore BE IT RESOLVED at this first meeting since his departure to his eternal rest, that in token and respect for our beloved colleague, this Union unanimously expresses its sorrow at his passing and its continuing affection for his memory; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these resolutions be spread upon the Minutes of this Meeting, and that a copy thereof be sent to Mrs. Valborg Reventlow as an evidence of the sincere sympathy of his colleagues. Proposed by Freeman M. Shelly (Philadelphia) and unanimously adopted at the Administrative Session of 5th September 1955 - 10th Annual Conference, held at Basel, Switzerland, 5th to 8th September 1955
Resolution Condemning Certain Practices RES.11.1 WHEREAS it is known and deplored by most men and should be known by all men that certain practices and exorbitant licence exist and are allowed, which would deprive animals of their inherent right to live in their countries of origin and habitats therein, and in such other proper places elsewhere in the world as they might be kept and propagated and thereby survive
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BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens in meeting on this day, the eighth of June 1956, do now and thereafter condemn these practices; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens will by every fair and proper means exert and implement every effort to bring such trade and practices to an end, and to create a fair will of all men towards animals. This text will be telegraphed to the Executives at the Congress for Conservation of Nature, at Edinburgh. Proposed by M. Perkins (Chicago) and R. Bean (Brookfield) and adopted at the 2nd Administrative Session of 8th June 1956 - 11th Annual Conference, held at Chicago, USA, 5th to 8th June 1956
Decision on the establishment of an Admissions Committee RES.12.1 On a proposal by President Van den Bergh, the Meeting agreed to the following o The establishment of an “Admissions Committee” which would make a preliminary examination of the qualifications of candidate-members. o The Chairman of this committee would be the secretary-in-office. o The first Committee members to be Mr. Hediger and Mr. Windecker, representing German members, Mr. Bean representing American members, and Mr. Tong representing English members. Adopted at the – 12th Annual Conference, held at Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 12 to 17 May 1957
Appeal to the Government of the People’s Republic of China RES.13.1 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens resolves to send the following letter to the Government of the People’s Republic of China appealing to protect the Giant Panda: Union Internationale de Directeurs de Jardins Zoologiques. International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens Internationaler Verband von Direktoren Zoologischer Gärten. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS BASEL Basel, 5.9.1958 His Excellency MAO--TSE-TUNG c/ o Chinese Embassy. Your Excellency, It is the primary task of the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens to promote breeding both in rare animals and those threatened by extinction, and to suggest protective measures. With this in mind, the prevailing conditions of the Giant Pandas (Ailuropada melanoleuca) in Szetschuan were discussed at this year' s conference in Frankfurt am Main. The fact was brought to our notice that only relatively few of this species still exist in extremely limited areas in their native country. Your Excellency, as we know, is particularly concerned with preserving the natural beauties and treasures of China and we are, therefore, convinced that the following suggestion will meet with your approval and support: We request that rigorous measures should be taken to protect the Giant Panda from being hunted or captured in order that the existing specimens may not only survive but also reproduce. Giant Pandas which have, by chance, fallen into human hands should be given, in pairs, to suitable, expertly supervised gardens both in China (Peking, for example) and, in certain cases, in other countries. This would enable breeding attempts to be made here so that the species may be preserved. In these cases it would be advisable to make transfers direct, not through the hands of an animal dealer, thus excluding the risk of commercialisation. As Your Excellency will be aware, it was entirely due to the combined efforts of internationally recognised Zoological Gardens that the Milu (Elaphurus davidianus), originally a native of China but which later became extinct there, could recently be restored to its former home.
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The Union is at all times most anxious to do its utmost towards solving the problem of how the survival of this characteristic Chinese animal can be achieved. Assuring Your Excellency of our deep appreciation of your attention to this matter, we are, Yours faithfully, The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens Dr. E.M. Lang. Walter Van den bergh Secretary President Adopted at the IUDZG Administrative Session of 30 August 1958 – 13th Annual Meeting, held at Frankfurt, Germany, 27-31 August 1958
Support of IUCN’s African Special Project RES.15.1 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens, meeting in annual conference in Cologne, Germany, in September 1960, having been informed of the African Special Project 1960-1963, launched by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, realizes the vital importance of implementing conservation practices, based on ecological knowledge, in order to conserve not only the existing African National Parks and faunal preserves, but, in addition, the wildlife populations living on marginal and other lands in different parts of Africa. In consequence whereof, the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens expresses its full appreciation for and support of this project, with the fervent hope that the project launched will succeed in maintaining and preserving all African wildlife for the benefit and edification of the future generations of all mankind. Proposed by Kai Curry-Lindahl (Stockholm) and unanimously adopted at the Administrative Session of 2nd h September 1960 - 15th Annual Conference, held at Cologne, Germany, 1st to 5th September 1960
Relation to IUCN RES.18.1 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens agrees unanimously that Dr. Grzimek be asked to consult with Dr. Charles Schroeder and Walter van den Bergh (who represent the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens at the Nairobi Conference) as much as possible in presenting the views of the Union to the I.U.C.N. and to assure them of the full support of the I.U.D.Z.G. in their actions to preserve wildlife and assistance in all ways possible.) Proposed by W. G. Conway (Bronx Zoo), endorsed by J. Delacour (Clères) and adopted at the Annual Conference, Chester, 1963
Resolution on Illegal Trade in Orang Utans RES.18.2 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens agrees unanimously that Members of the I.U.D.Z.G should refuse to purchase any Orang Utans which have been caught illegally and to offer to assist the I.U.D.Z.G. by keeping any Orang Utans and holding them at the disposal of the I.U.D.Z.G. until such animals could be re-settled at a later date. Proposed by A.C.V. van Bemmel (Rotterdam), seconded by W. G. Conway (Bronx Zoo) and adopted at the Annual Conference, Chester, 1963
Establishment of an International Union of Zoological Gardens RES.19.1 The consensus of the special committee was that: The Union members endorse the resolution offered by delegate Conway at the London Conference and which was unanimously accepted by that Conference.
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RESOLVED: That an international organization of zoological gardens, animal collections, experimental research institutions, and animal traders should be developed through the agency of the I.U.C.N. Zoo Liaison Committee; that this federation should be formed, among other purposes, for developing a method of distributing certain rare animals for exhibition in cooperation with the I.U.C.N. Survival Service Commission and for cooperating with the I.U.C.N. and various national governments in the administration of this method. The matter of mechanics is to be referred to the appointed Zoo Liaison Committee to report back at the 1965 annual meeting. Adopted at the 19th Annual Conference at Taronga Park Zoological Gardens, 26 to 30 October 1964
Decision on the establishment of eleven new International Studbooks RES.21.1 Noting that, for the time being, there are kept Studbooks of European Bisons (Mohr, Poland), Przewalski Horses (Praha), Persian Wild Ass, Guanicoe (Catskil). The Meeting agreed to the establishment of the following new studbooks: Basel – Great Indian Rhinoceros, Pigmy Hippopotamus Praha – Przewalski’s Wild Horses, Rare subspecies of Tiger Berlin-West – Black and White Rhinoceros, Gaur Antwerp – Okapi, Bonobo, Chimpanzee Whipsnade – Pere David’s Deer Frankfurt – Gorilla Zurich – Siamang San Diego – Addax, Oryx, Anoa Paris – Eld’s Deer Berlin-East – Wild Ass Colombo – Japanese White Stork Washington – Orang-Utan Adopted at the 21th Annual Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 25 to 30 October 1966
Trade in Certain Endangered Species RES.22.1 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens cognizant of the threat to the earth’s unique wildlife heritage and fearful that Zoo importation might endanger the status of certain species, hereby resolves: That no member will purchase, offer to purchase, sell, offer to sell, capture, encourage the capture of, donate, accept as a gift, or deposit or trade the following species: • • • • •
Orang-Utan Monkey-eating –Eagle Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey Galapagos Tortoise Aldabra Tortoise
However, nothing in this resolution shall be construed to prevent the acquisition of endangered species by members for the establishment of breeding groups with the permission of the Species Survival Commission of the U.I.C.N. Adopted at the Annual Conference, Barcelona, 23 to 27 October 1967
Protection of Zoo Animals against misuse for publicity purposes RES.23.1 The Meeting adopted the following resolution “That it is not in accordance with the aim and reputation of Zoological Gardens to let animals out of a Garden for public processions or for exhibitions and performances which have no scientific, biological or animal husbandry purpose”.
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Adopted at the 23rd Annual Conference, Pretoria, South Africa, October 15th, 1968
Animal Transport RES.23.2 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens, considering: the real risks involved in the quick transportation of animals, and that nature conservation, which forms an integral part of the scientific and educational functions of the large zoological gardens of the World, is often much handicapped by the too severe application of sanitary laws. Asks, in order to reconcile these points, that the large Zoological Gardens, whose directors are members of the I.U.D.Z.G., have full-time veterinarians and accept the control of the veterinary authorities of their countries, be permitted to take advantage of special facilities for the transportation of exotic animals in view of the fact that sanitary control measures at the departure and arrival of animals together with the precise information on the sanitary conditions in the country of origin often are of greater importance than inspections at the border because of the difficult conditions under which the latter have to be carried out. Adopted at the 23rd Annual Conference, Pretoria, South Africa, October 15th, 1968
Purchase of Orang Utans from the Wild Animal Propagation Trust RES.23.3 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens recommends that the suggested price for orang-utans obtained from Barbara Harrison and the orang-utan recovery service should be $ 1500 with full awareness that this sum might not be sufficient to continue the operation of the service, and that it might be necessary to negotiate for a higher price. Adopted at the 23rd Annual Conference, Pretoria, South Africa, October 15th, 1968
Central Office for IUDZG RES.24.1 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens hereby resolves: That the official office of the Secretary/Treasurer shall be the Central Office of the Union Adopted at the 24th Annual Conference, New York, 5 – 12 October, 1969
Trade in Certain Endangered Species RES.24.2 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens cognizant of the threat to the earth’s unique wildlife heritage and fearful that Zoo importation might endanger the status of certain species, hereby resolves: That no member will purchase, offer to purchase, sell, offer to sell, capture, encourage the capture of, donate, accept as a gift, or deposit or trade the following species: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Orang-Utan Monkey-eating –Eagle Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey Galapagos Tortoise Aldabra Tortoise
However, nothing in this resolution shall be construed to prevent the acquisition of endangered species by members for the establishment of breeding groups with the permission of the survival of breeding groups with the permission of the survival commission of the U.I.C.N. Since the Mountain gorilla and the Mountain tapir are also in need of similar protection it was resolved that these two species should be added to the above list. The Aldabra tortoise on the other hand, seems to be more abundant than
10
previously believed and it was therefore resolved that this species should be removed from the list. All colleagues are requested to propagate these resolutions in their respective countries as well in their national associations. Adopted at the 24th Annual Meeting, New York, 5 – 12 October, 1969
IUCN Zoo Liaison Group RES.26.1 The assembly resolves and agrees That the President should ask the Chairman of the IUCN Survival Service Commission to appoint additional I.U.D.Z.G. members to the Zoo Liaison Group with such membership based on a regional distribution, e.g. America, Europe, Far East and Australasia. Adopted at the Administrative Session of the 26th Annual Conference, Prague Zoo, Czecho-Slovak Socialist Republic, 10 September 1971
IUCN Zoo Liaison Group RES.27.1 The assembly • unanimously accepted the report (Annex) prepared by a sub-committee of members appointed by the President to consider further the proposed new Zoo Liaison Group of I.U.C.N.1, in the operation of which the I.U.D.Z.G had invited to take part; • agreed that a reply should be sent to the S.S.C.’s invitation to the Union to support the proposed new Zoo Liaison Group on the lines of the recommendations of the report.
Annex The I.U.C.N. proposal should be supported in principle but the details of the proposal would have to be considerably modified if the new Group were to be a success. While supporting the general aims laid down for this body, the subcommittee wished to emphasize that these aims were, in the main, the same as those of the I.U.D.Z.G., which was actively implementing them wherever and whenever practicable. With regard to the machinery proposed for bringing together zoos and the I.U.C.N. to deal with conservation matters, the sub-committee concluded as follows: A.
B. C.
Regional co-ordinators should be practising zoo people and it was thought that Directors of leading zoos in the various regions of the world, who would, in any case, almost certainly be members of I.U.D.Z.G., should be appointed. The three members of the I.U.D.Z.G. to serve on the zoo Liaison Committee should be members of the Board of the Union. A paid Group co-ordinator was not necessary, and probably could not be afforded, at least for the initial period of operation of the new Zoo Liaison Group. It was thought that the task of overall co-ordination could and should be undertaken by a permanent I.U.C.N. staff member and that the I.U.D.Z.G. could provide funds for the support of regional co-ordinators.
Adopted at the Administrative Session of the 27th Annual Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 12 September 1972
International Studbook Policies RES.34.1 The assembly, having reviewed the results of the IUDZG Studbook Symposium, held on 19th and 20th October 1979 at Copenhagen, resolves and agrees that • • • • •
the Resolutions of the IUDZG Studbook Symposium (see Annex) are approved; these Resolutions henceforth be regarded as official Union policy, and they should be followed by all members; a working group of the Union be set up to ensure the proper follow-up of the Resolutions, and the President would appoint the group as soon as possible
1
The sub-committee consisted of the Board, Messrs. Veselovsky, Brand and Rawlins, as well as Dr. Lang, the Messrs. Van den bergh and Klös, who are also members of the Survival Service Commission
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Annex 1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9. 10.
11. 12.
13.
14. 15.
In consultation with the Captive Breeding Specialist Group of the Survival Service Commission of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (SSC/IUCN), IUDZG should prepare a priority list of critical species to be maintained in captivity. IUDZG should prepare long-term international breeding programmes for the listed critical species and encourage all zoos to follow scientific principles and idelas in the management of their stocks of these species. The appointment of Studbook Keepers and where necessary their replacements should remain the responsibility of the Studbook Co-ordinator, with the advice and endorsement of the IUDZG and SSC/IUCN. Studbook Keepers should have the necessary resources, both financial and practical, to carry out the full range of duties, including publication of the studbook. The initial publication should take place as soon as possible after the establishment of the studbook and should be followed by interim reports at not less that three-year intervals. Studbook Keepers should report to the Studbook Co-ordinaor annually where possible and never normally at less than 18-month intervals. Studbook Keepers should review the management of the species for which they are responsible and send appropriate information to the owners of animals at regular intervals. Owners of studbook animals should carry out transfers to other collections only after consultation with the Studbook Keeper and such transfers should, as far as practicable, take place directly between the sending and receiving collections, without the use of intermediary agencies. Owners should wherever possible mark or otherwise identify all their studbook animals and report the details of the marking of identification to the Studbook Keeper. The present system for the establishment and keeping of studbooks is considered to be satisfactory, although where possible a standardized and simple questionnaire should be used. It is recommended that the Coordinator drafts standardized forms. Owners should send copies of autopsy reports and details of the disposal of carcasses to Studbook Keepers. Where intermediary agencies, whether dealers or others, are involved in the transfer from one collection to another, the agent’s name need not be recorded as the owner on the published register, but an indication given that the animal is in transit. A full studbook is the appropriate record until the number of specimens registered is too large for individual identification. In such cases a simple register recording the number and sexes of animals in each collection should be kept. For some species, and in appropriate circumstances, national or regional studbooks should be established in consultation with the International Studbook Keeper where such exists. Regular specialist meetings on a particular studbook species would be of great value for Studbook Keepers and owners.
Adopted at the Administrative Session of the 34th Annual Conference, Warsaw, Poland, 22 October 1979
IUDZG Policy Statement RES.38.1 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens
1. Co-ordination of management programmes RECOGNISES the increasing importance of scientifically developed programmes for the management of species. RESOLVES that the Union requires its members to make every possible effort to co-operate in the development and co-ordination of such programmes.
2. Selection of species RECOGNISES the specific role of the Species Survival Commission of the IUCN to select species in particular need of captive breeding programmes. RESOLVES that the Union requires its members to support and assist where appropriate the efforts of the SSC. That the Union continues to develop its co-operation with IUCN’s Captive Breeding Specialist Group and to make every effort through its members who are members of the Group that the very serious responsibilities placed on it in respect of identification of species at risk and proposals for species management programmes are brought to the Union’s attention.
3. Record system RECOGNISES that a unified record system is essential to efficient species management.
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RECOMMENDS that ISIS be used where appropriate. Where, for whatever reason, ISIS cannot be used, then it is further recommended by the Union that group or individual systems be adopted to be compatible with ISIS.
4. Species management to take precedence RECOGNISES that the success of co-ordinated species management programmes will depend on key animals within the captive population being located within the correct collection. RESOLVES that the membership should be encouraged to consider as a first priority the movement of their animals on the basis of the needs of the species and not of individual collections.
5. Value and ownership RECOGNISES that the cost and to some extent the ownership of animals important in the context of the managed population may provide a constraint to the animal being placed into the collection where the best possible results can be achieved to the benefit of the species. RESOLVES that members use their best endeavours to persuade their Boards of Management that the long term future of species both in the wild and in captivity will depend on successful breeding programmes and that such programmes can only be successful if constraints on animal movements are removed. One of these constraints is the cost of the animal and individual rather than group ownership and that every effort should be made to remove or minimise this constraint.
6. Studbook keepers CONFIRMS its role in ensuring that the most appropriate studbook keepers are selected. RECOGNISES the important role of the studbook keeper where detailed scientific management plans have been developed and agreed. RESOLVES that members who have studbook species will consider carefully the advice of studbook keepers in relation to the movement of animals where the species involved are the subject of a management programme and that members will not make moves or breed animals which would prejudice such a programme. REAFFIRMS that members who are owners of endangered species be urged to register their animals. That transfers and other management moves should only be carried out after consultation with the studbook keeper.
7. Containment of breeding RECOGNISES that if the species management programme is to be successful restraint may be required and the curtailment of breeding by individual animals on a permanent or temporary basis may be necessary. RESOLVES (a) that members do everything possible to assist a successful management by curtailing breeding as and when required within that programme. (b) that members when looking at development within their own collections consider the curbing of breeding in common species in order to provide space and other resources for endangered species.
8. Culling RECOGNISES that a successful breeding programme may create an excess number of animals. That culling or ‘cropping’ although legitimate tools of management are sensitive issues and must be dealt with accordingly. As with other animal management considerations it is recognised that a co-ordinated approach is required. RESOLVES that members should. • • • • •
Make every effort to ensure that through the responsible application of breeding programmes, the numbers of animals surplus to requirements will be kept to a minimum. Make every effort where a surplus does occur to place the animals where they are most needed or in other suitable collections. Make certain that where there is no satisfactory placement available for surplus animals they should be humanely destroyed. Where appropriate the relevant facts be brought to the attention of all concerned. Whether directly or indirectly involved support the concept that scientific culling will play a significant role in future captive populations.
9. Captive breeding by other than zoos RECOGNISES that there are other successful private breeders operating on a small or large scale3 with a limited number of species. That these operators often have considerable resources to support a specialised approach.
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RESOLVES that members should encourage either as individuals or as members of larger management groups the involvement of appropriate private breeding groups within the species management programme.
10. Wider membership RECOGNISES that there is a majority feeling that the membership of the Union should be extended to include the Directors of other zoological institutions who conform to the membership qualifications and have the necessary stature. AGREES that existing members consider within their own sphere of knowledge those institutions whose Directors are not currently members of the Union, and who would qualify on both counts and bring this to the attention of Council. (Members are reminded that institutions outside their own nation should not be proposed without consultation with existing members located within the nation of the collection proposed).
11. National and other group representation RECOGNISES that in pursuing its leadership role it may be appropriate to develop more formal links with national bodies. RESOLVES (a) that in the first instance relevant national bodies be asked to appoint as their representatives existing members of the Union. (b) that national bodies are invited to provide an observer as occasion demands and not as a right, to attend all meetings of the Union.
12. Liaison with conservationists RECOGNISES that the support of conservation organisations at local, national and international level is vital to the long term success of species conservation. RECOMMENDS to members that they continue to develop the closest possible links with local and national conservation organisations. Adopted at the Administrative Sessions of the 38th Annual Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 15. – 22. October 1983
IUDZG Statement on the Future of the Golden-Headed Lion Tamarin RES.39.1 The Golden-headed Lion Tamarin Leontopithecus chrysomelas which only occurs in Brazil is critically endangered in the wild. In late 1983, nearly 60 animals, a significant part of the wild population, were stolen and illegally exported from Brazil. The participants of this conference recognise Brazil’s total dedication to the protection of its indigenous flora and fauna and offer all support in the fulfilment of these conservation aims. It should be recognised that all the illegally exported Golden-headed Lion Tamarins are the property of the Brazilian government. We strongly recommend to all international and national conservation agencies that they co-operate with the Brazilian government in order to fulfil the following strategy to ensure the long-term survival of this unique species. That all these illegally exported or illegally held Golden-headed Lion Tamarins should be confiscated or voluntarily replaced in the trusteeship of the Brazilian government. The release of these already displaced animals into the wild is not recommended at this time since the information available on population size, distribution and habitat protection is insufficient to guarantee survival. Also, the safety of such animals cannot be ensured due to likely aggression from members of the same species living in the proposed release area. Reintroduction, as has recently been done with Golden Lion Tamarins Leontopithecus rosalia required many years of careful preparation. Similar preparatory research must be carried out before such reintroduction is undertaken with the Golden-headed Lion Tamarin. The conference recognised the Brazilian government’s participation in the tremendous success of the programme for Golden Lion Tamarin which has involved successful captive breeding leading to its reintroduction into the wild. The conference is concerned that the same fruitful outcome will apply to the Golden-headed Lion Tamarin. This will entail the establishment of viable captive breeding populations under scientific management. As a first step, in order to make the world’s best resources available, the Brazilian government is most strongly urged to set up an International Recovery and Management Committee for the Golden-headed Lion Tamarin. To this end, the illegally
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exported animals should be distributed to selected and appropriate captive breeding institutions with experience of propagating other lion tamarins. Adopted at the Administrative Sessions of the 39th Annual Conference, Flevohof, The Netherlands, 24. – 29. September 1984
Resolution concerning the taking of specimens of species listed on Appendix I of CITES as part of a captive breeding conservation programme RES.40.1 The IUDZG has made over a number of years significant contributions to the propagation and conservation of endangered species. To further foster these efforts the IUDZG believes that more emphasis should be given in recognising the validity of captive breeding programmes for the conservation of certain endangered species, the importance of the acquisition of animals from the wild to carry out such programmes, and the unquestioned desirability of acting in accordance with international conservation ethics and law, the IUDZG adopts the following resolution concerning species listed in Appendix I of CITES. 1. That the local population from which the specimens to be included in the programme are to be taken is: a. Either numerous enough to allow the safe removal of a sufficient number of individuals from the wild to add to existing or establish new viable captive breeding programmes. b. Or the habitat is in such danger of irreparable damage that the specimens involved would have no hope of survival in the wild. c. The numbers and circumstances of the wild populations have fallen below the best estimate of the minimum viable population and are not likely to increase beyond this level in one generation. 2. That the appropriate agency of the National Government controlling the wild habitat involved gives its approval to the removal of the specimens as long as it does not contravene the law of the country of origin. 3. That institutions involved in such programmes are responsible for the authenticity of pertinent legal documents, and these be available for verification. 4. That the programme has the approval, and in urgent cases such approval being retrospective, of the Captive Breeding Specialist Group in consultation with the relevant taxonomic specialist group, if any, of the Species Survival Commission. 5. That the acquisition of animals shall not stimulate a commercial trade in wild caught specimens. 6. That the programme shall be brought before the members of IUDZG for approval (though the approval may be given retrospectively). 7. That the precise locations and time of capture of the specimens is recorded and that method of capture is as humane and as un-wasteful as is possible. 8. Where appropriate the animals involved and their progeny should remain the property of the country of origin. 9. That institutions joining the programme after its inception accept these conditions. Drafted at Flevohof, Holland, revised by the Council meeting in Edinburgh, April 1985, and approved by the membership at Calgary, September 1985 Annual Conference 40
Statement on Black Rhino RES.41.1 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens is concerned with the accelerating, deteriorating situation in respect of the Black Rhinoceros in the wild and will use its best endeavours through ist member institutions to assist in the task of securing this species for the future. Adopted at the 41st Annual Conference, Wroclaw, Poland, September 4th, 1986
Statement on Cetacea RES.41.2 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens meeting in Wroclaw expressed concern at the proliferation worldwide of new but differing, standards in respect of cetacea in human care. The Union welcomes any proposals which seek to improve the husbandry of such animals, but it can only support those rules and regulations that are based on experience and scientific fact.
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The Union also supports the use of cetacea for research, education and other conservation roles. The Union agrees to support the international, national and regional areas with IUDZG membership in speaking with the legislators of such regions when proposals do not have scientific validity. The Union cannot take up individual cases in this respect. Adopted at the 41st Annual Conference, Wroclaw, Poland, September 4th, 1986
State Gifts of Animals RES.42.1 “The CBSG (and IUDZG) recognize(s) that state gifts of living animals is a long-standing tradition. The CBSG (and IUDZG) note(s), however, that the increased restrictions on the transfer of animals under a wide range of legislation both for species conservation and for veterinary health reasons has reduced, but not completely stopped, transfers of this kind. All parties are urged to bring to the attention of their governments the need to ensure that state gifts of living animals should only be made or received if they can be completely compatible with on-going conservation programmes for the species involved, including captive breeding programmes.” This statement was reached by the membership last year after Council. CBSG examined the statement and reached consensus with IUDZG which now endorses the statement. All delegates agreed to the wording. Adopted at the 42th Annual Conference, Bristol, England7 – 10 September, 1987
IUDZG Policy on Education RES.43.1 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens recognizes that, if conservation strategies are to succeed, the society we live in must be supportive of these strategies and also support will be more forthcoming if society has an understanding of the issues involved. Zoological institutions represent an educational resource, which can make an important contribution toward this understanding by creating a heightened awareness of these conservation issues and, where appropriate, the solutions. It is the duty of members to endeavor to ensure that their resources be used to their full potential for this purpose. The social and cultural functions of zoological institutions are, to a high degree, achieved through educational activities. Members should therefore develop and sustain multifaceted programmes of education on the living world, particularly ecology and the need to conserve plants and animal life and how this may be achieved. Zoological institutions have an important role to play in the implementation of wildlife conservation straategies and members are thus urged to publicize this role as a part of their educational programme. Adopted at the 43rdAnnual Conference, Stuttgart, September 15th, 1988
IUDZG Position on orphan gorillas RES.43.2 1. IUDZG resolves that the deployment of orphan gorillas from their countries of origin be determined in accordance with the provisions of CITES for Appendix I Animals (whether or not the particular animals are technically subject to Appendix I). It also urges that before agreeing to the export of an orphan gorilla, the advice of IUCN – SSC/PSG with CBSG is sought by the Scientific and Management Authorities of the proposed countries of export and import. In formulating this advice IUCN should take into account: (a) the likely fate of the orphan gorillas should export not take place, and also the need to act promptly when the survival of animals is in question. (b) the likely effect on the remaining wild population. (c) the likely avoidance of profit to those individuals and organizations who intend ot be involved in the export, transport, import and final housi8ng of the animals.
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2. 3.
4. 5.
(d) the likely benefit to the captive breeding population, including its inclusion in a regional or international programme. IUDZG also resolves to encourage the financial support for educational and conservation programmes in the countries of wild habitat, with the aim of eliminating the causes, which lead to young gorillas becoming orphans. Where the countries in which orphan gorillas occur are not parties to CITES, IUDZG calls on IUCN, as advised by SSC/PSG with CBSG to consult with the appropriate national authorities in those countries and to make its recommendation to the CITES authorities of the proposed countries of import according to Paragraph 1 above. IUDZG does not recommend the euthanasia of orphan gorillas, except when to do so is indicated on veterinary grounds. Whilst recognizing the natural emotional affinity of our own species towards anthropoid apes is very substantial, compared to that of many other kind of animals, IUDZG considers that decisions on the import of orphan and displaced animals of other species should be based on similar criteria.
Adopted at the 43rd Annual Conference, Stuttgart, September 15th, 1988
World Heritage Species Plan RES.43.3 Habitat destruction and consequent wildlife extinction is continuing unabated. Now, however, new research has revealed the unexpected failure of even the best protected national parks in Africa, Europe and North America to preserve many treasured species of wildlife Constant and shifting human pressures have severely fragmented and diminished animal populations. For most large, slowly reproducing species, never common in their native places, extinction is inevitable without a more intensive international effort at species-by-species support, propagation and care. The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens believes that a more powerful strategy of priority, coordination, expansion of national endangered species propagation programmes, research, and collaboration is needed to advance the world-wide effort to breed species which soon may be lost. Zoos and aquariums are fulfilling a new role for society – acting to help save those very special species, whatever their native homelands, without which the wolrd would so clearly be a very much poorer place. Recognizing the limitations of space and resources in zoos, the zoo Union began by identifying animals such as the endangered rhinoceroses, the imperiled tigers, and other species already part of animal survival plans in regional and national zoo programmes around the world. The IUDZG notes that the intensive care now possible in zoological gardens makes it practical for zoos to work towards a time when zoo stocks could sustain faltering animal populations in reserves and parks, helping to buffer them against diseases, environmental catastrophes, or even temporary social unrest. To this end, zoo research is speeding up around the world on animal reintroduction techniques, disease control, genetics, nutrition, and such promising methods as artificial insemination and embryo transfer and storage. Recent reintroductions of species to natural habitats from zoo stocks include the lammergeier, European eagle owl, Arabian oryx, scimitar-horned oryx, golden tamarin, Nubian ibex, red wolf, and addax. These give evidence of the potential value of the zoo plans for other species. The IUDZG will work closely with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and its Species Survival Commission in the new programme. The Zoo Union’s initiative supports the IUSN policy on captive animal breeding. The IUDZG will co-ordinate its activity with the IUCN’s Captive Breeding Specialist Group. The IUDZG considers the development of the World Heritage Species Plan the Union’s highest priority and has appointed a special action group composed of members from several regions of the world to pursue the new programme. Adopted at the 43rd Annual Conference, Stuttgart, Germany, September 15th, 1988
International Species Information System ISIS RES.43.4 ISIS, a computerized data base system on specimens and species held by zoological gardens and aquariums, has made a considerable and important contribution to the professional management of animal collections and especially to species management programmes for conservation through captive breeding. Founded in 1973 through the contributions of zoological parks in North America and Europe, AAZPA, AAZV, and the personal resources of the originators, Drs. Ulysses Seal and Dale Mackey, ISIS has been operated as a unit of the Minnesota Zoological Garden since that time. To better serve a growing number of zoological gardens and aquariums worldwide, ISIS has recently been incorporated as an independent, non-profit organization with an international Board of Trustees. In acknowledgment of the great contribution of the Minnesota Zoological Garden made to the development and maintenance of ISIS, the IUDZG extends sincere thanks on behalf of the international community of zoological
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gardens and aquariums to the Board, Director and staff of the Minnesota Zoologiacal Garden. IUDZG is hopeful that Minnesota Zoological Garden will see fit to continue as the host institution for ISIS as long as this is desirable and feasible. Adopted at the 43rd Annual Conference, Stuttgart, September 15th, 1988
General Statement on International Animal Movements RES.44.1 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens wishes to disassociate itself with any organisation that undertakes movements of animals which offend CITES or the spirit of the convention. We need not remind members within CITES countries that CITES rules have to be obeyed, but want to draw the attention of all members to our earlier agreement that all member zoos should operate within CITES even if their country or the country of origin of the animal obtained is not yet a signatory of CITES. We want to make sure that all zoos follow these ground rules, and we need your leadership within your own countries to achieve this. It is vital that attention is drawn to the authorities of any abuses that might be discovered, particularly as they relate to false information within documentation. It is also vital that members keep the Council of IUDZG informed of unsatisfactory behaviour of animal dealers or zoos involving endangered species, view to bringing this to the attention of the membership. We are well aware of the fact that animals within CITES are often moved for proper biological reasons or as part of SSPs or similar programmes where such moves are not understood by the public. It is vital that public relations aspects of such moves are properly addressed. Adopted at the 44th Annual Conference, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 17 – 21 September 1989
Endorsement of an IUCN Policy Statement on Research Involving Species at Risk of Extinction RES.44.2 Prologue IUCN holds that all research on or affecting a threatened species carries a moral responsibility for the preservation or enhancement of the survival of that species. Conservation of the research resource is clearly in the interest of the researchers. IUCN recognizes that the taking and trading of specimens of threatened species are covered by international agreements and are normally included in national legislation which provedes authorized exemptions for the purpose of scientific research. Basic and applied research is critically needed on many aspects of the biology of animal and plant species at risk of extinction (e.g. those listed by IUCN as Vulnerable, Rare, Endangered, or Indeterminate) to provide knowledge vital to their conservation.
Policy IUCN encourages basic and applied research on threatened species that contributes to the likelihood of survival of those species. When a choice is available among captive-bred or propagated, wild-caught or taken, or free-living stock for research not detrimental to the survival of a threatened species, IUCN recommends the option contributing most positively to sustaining wild populations of the species. IUCN recommends that research programmes on threatened species that do not directly contribute to conservation of the species should acknowledge an obligation to the species by devoting monetary or other substantial resources to their conservation, preferably to sustaining populations in the natural environment. Whether animals involved are captive-bred, wild-caught, or free-living, or whether plants involved are propagated, taken from the wild, or in their natural habitat, IUCN opposes research that directly or indirectly impairs the survival of threatened species and urges that such research not be undertaken.
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Protocols In this context IUCN urges researchers to accept a personal obligation to satisfy themselves that the processes by which research specimens are acquired (including transportation) conform scrupulously to procedures and regulations adopted under international legal agreements. Further, researchers should adopt applicable professional standards for humane treatment of animal specimens, including their capture and use in research. IUCN urges that any research on threatened species be conducted in conformity with all applicable laws, regulations and veterinary professional standards governing animal acquisition, health and welfare, and with all applicable agricultural and genetic resource laws and regulations governing acquisition, transport, and management of plants. Adopted at the 44th Annual Conference, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 17 – 21 September 1989, approved by the 27th Meeting of Council
Endorsement of an IUCN Policy Statement on State Gifts of Animals RES.44.3 IUCN recognizes the long-standing tradition among governments and heads of state of giving or exchanging live animals, especially those of large and rare species, as tokens of esteem and for other reasons. Increased restriction of the transfer of animals under a wide range of national and international laws for species conservation and for veterinary health reasons have reduced, but not completely stopped, transfers as state gifts of animals of species under threat of extinction. State gifts of living animals of threatened species, such as those recognized by IUCN as Rare, Vulnerable, or Endangered, should only be made or accepted if they can be completely compatible with ongoing conservation programmes for the species involved, including captive breeding programmes. Such captive breeding programmes should conform with the IUCN Policy Statement on Captive Breeding, 4 September 1987. Further, as a matter of trust and leadership in conservation, all transfers of animals as state gifts should adhere to national laws of the parties involved, as well as complying with the requirements of international conservation conventions and, in particular, of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. For CITES Appendix I species (and EEC Council Regulation 3626/82 Annex C1 species) the procedure laid down in Article III of CITES should be followed, in particular with regards to import permits and advice of the scientific authorities concerned. Adopted at the 44th Annual Conference, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 17 – 21 September 1989, approved by the 27th Meeting of Council
Conservation of the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleucea) RES.45.1 RECOGNIZING that the Giant Panda is increasingly in need of urgent world-wide attention to protect and increase its population and maintain suitable habitat for the long-term survival of the species, REFERRING to the resolution made by the IUCN, General Assembly in Costa Rica, February 1988, regarding the Conservation of the Giant Panda, CONCERNED that uncoordinated initiatives to utilize and move Giant Pandas will delay the implementation of a concerted and effective global action plan to preserve the species, in concurrence with recommendations of the CBSG of SSC. NOTING that the international zoo community has imposed a moratorium on any new initiative ot move Giant Pandas out of their country of origin, or elsewhere, unless by way of a non-financial transaction specifically designed to enhance the propagation of Giant Pandas in the context of a global Giant Panda Conservation Plan, the IUCN RECOMMENDS that full attention must be given to develop and implement a global Giant Panda conservation plan to include collaborative relevant research and a coordinated propagation program for Giant Pandas in captivity, URGES the People’s Republic of China to implement a comprehensive conservation plan for wild and captive Giant Pandas,
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REQUESTS present holders of Giant Pandas outside the People’s Republic of China to dedicate their animals to a collaborative program for these purposes and RESOLVES to offer the People’s Republic of China its services and cooperation, within available resources, to help develop a comprehensive Giant Panda Conservation Plan. Adopted at the 45th Annual Conference, Copenhagen, August 30th, 1990
Giant Pandas RES.46.1 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens URGES 1. That the timely development of a comprehensive global in-situ and ex-situ management plan for the Giant Panda is of highest priority for the conservation of the species. 2. That the revised 1989 Management Plan of the Giant Panda be officially adopted and implemented by the Ministry of Forests of the People’s Republic of China. 3. That facilities currently holding Giant Pandas outside of the People’s Republic of China cooperate to manage the individuals for maximum genetic diversity and breeding success. 4. That management of captive Giant Pandas for breeding purposes and transfers between institutions be consistent with the objectives of international conservation plans indicated above, and that the parties involved recognize the special professional obligation to act in accord with a coordinated international captive management programme for the species. Adopted at the 46th Annual Conference, Singapore, October 3th 1991
London Zoo RES.46.2 1. The 46th Annual Conference of IUDZG recognises that the Zoological Society of London, founded in 1826 and including London and Whipsnade Zoos, has contributed uniquely to the development of zoos as centres of conservation and education throughout the world. London Zoo continues to play a major role in the international zoo community and in the conservation of the Earth’s dwindling species. 2. That London Zoo represents a valuable source of technical skills and resources in addition to its animal collection and that this resource once dispersed, will be impossible to regain and will result in significant losses to the advancement of conservation and scientific research programmes. 3. That London Zoo provides a valuable opportunity, for the people of one of the world’s largest conurbations to come into direct contact with wild animals and to be educated on the variety and fragility of life on Earth. And therefore resolves that the appreciation of IUDZG for the work and continued ability of London Zoo to contribute undiminished to international flora and conservation programmes be conveyed to the Government of the United Kingdom with the earnest request that the decision to provide no further financial support to London Zoo be rescinded. Adopted at the 46th Annual Conference, Singapore, October 3rd 1991
Permits and Legislation RES.46.3 RECOGNIZING: that the continued global destruction of natural habitat is causing the decline and fragmentation of wild populations and, that small and/or fragmented populations are unlikely to survive the effects of these demographic perturbations which result in the loss of genetic diversity when natural migration routes between isolated populations are lost and, that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an essential tool to ensure that trade in wild species does not exceed sustainable levels and, that artificial or assisted transfer of genetic material whether in the form of live animals, gametes, embryos, such products as required by law for disease control testing, tissue or DNA between populations CAPTIVE---CAPTIVE,
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WILD---WILD, CAPTIVE---WILD, WILD---CAPTIVE may be essential to maintain genetic diversity and ensure the survival of the species and, that any such movement or assisted transfer is an essential part of effective global conservation strategies and, that the goal of any such conservation strategy must ultimately be to preserve the species in its natural habitat and, that scientifically managed captive propagation programs are an integral and essential part of the global conservation strategy and, that under current practice the interpretation of CITES regulations and export/import permit policies and procedures of different regions and countries often vary significantly and, that, in some instances, the administrative processes have become lengthy redundant, and at times actively interfere with conservation needs and, that IUCN (SSC, CBSG) and other conservation bodies (IUDZG, AAZPA, ECAZA, etc) have a need for the consistent interpretation and application of CITES regulations, and request that permit processes be handled uniformly and administered in a timely and efficient fashion, the 1991 Conference of the IUDZG therefore recommends: That all CITES MANAGEMENT AUTHORITES apply their permit approval procedures recognizing the above stated principles in support of national and international zoo conservation programs, That all parties engaged in such transfers recognize and accept the obligation to register their specimens in appropriate national and international collective data systems and participate in such systems as part of their conservation strategies and, That a committee under CBSG be formed to investigate and assist in the implementation of these recommendations. Adopted at the 46th Annual Conference, Singapore, October 3rd 1991
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development RES.46.4 RECOGNIZING that conservation of the world’s biological diversity is one of the most challenging and important issues for the coming decades; RECOGNIZING the importance of zoos and aquariums in global efforts for the conservation of biological diversity; RECOGNIZING that the current decade might be the last chance for the world community to formulate a strategy to save life on Earth, and that in the late 20th century we are coming to realize that biological resources have limits and that we are exceeding those limits; AWARE that the General Assembly of the United Nations is convening a Conference of Environment and Development (UNCED) in June of 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and that the agreements reached at UNCED will help shape global conservation strategies for the foreseeable future; ACKNOWLEDING the paper prepared by the IUCN/SSC Captive Breeding Specialist Group on ex-situ conservation of wild animal genetic resources for the 2nd Preparatory Committee of UNCED; CONSCIOUS of the obligation of humankind to protect biodiversity and wildlife habitat, and that zoos and aquariums are a resource for educating those who will be affected by the loss of biological diversity; The delegates assembled at the 1991 Annual Conference of the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens (IUDZG): CALL UPON all institutions associated with IUDZG to impress upon their governments the key role that zoos and aquariums must play in the conservation of biological diversity; DRAW ATTENTION to the forthcoming “World Zoo Conservation Strategy” as an important contribution ot the deliberations at UNCED;
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COMMIT IUDZG resources to ensure representation by the international zoo community at the 1992 UNCED conference and the NGO meeting which precedes it. Adopted at the 46th Annual Conference, Singapore, October 3rd 1991
IUDZG – The World Zoo Organization to SSC RES.47.1 At its annual meeting held in Vancouver, Canada from September 6 to 10, 1992 the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens noted with disappointment the failure by SSC to progress the Global Heritage Species programme which has now been four years under review. IUDZG therefore urges SSC to progress this programme with diligence, recognizing the high profile that this can give to species conservation and the consequent improved chances of attracting funding. IUDZG recognizes that many species may benefit by being awarded this status, and suggests that there should be no limit to numbers, providing that each species meets one or more criteria of uniqueness. IUDZG recommends the Przewalski horse Equus przewalskii as the first candidate for Global Heritage Species status for the following reasons: 1. It is a very high profile species with which a very broad community will identify. 2. It has been extinct in the wild for many years. 3. Through dedicated and scientific captive breeding, the species is well established in zoos on sound genetic and demographic lines and animals are now available for reintroduction. 4. A site within historic range is available for reintroduction which will benefit a whole system – perhaps World Heritage Park status may be achieved for this site. 5. The former range is within the Mongolian Peoples Republic – a country of relative economic and political stability, but lacking in necessary hard currency. There is in that country great enthusiasm for this project. Adopted by the Plenary at the 47th Annual Conference, Vancouver, September 6th to 10th 1992
Decade of the Nineties as the “Save the Wildlife” Decade RES.47.2 RECALLING the Resolution 18.2Y adopted unanimously by the General Assembly of IUCN at its 18th session in Perth, Australia, December 1990: “Conservation of wildlife through wise use of Renewable Natural Resource;” RECALLING the joint CBSG-IUDZG resolution on the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, September 1991 instructing the secretariats of CBSG and IUDZG to ensure that the international zoo community is represented at the NGO conference before the UNCED meeting as well as attending UNCED itself; RECOGNIZING the missing of the IUCN/SSC Captive Breeding Specialist Group and the IUDZG The World Zoo Organization TO CONSERVE and establish viable populations of threatened species through captive propagation programs and through intensive protection and management of small and fragmented populations in the wild;” CONSCIOUS of the important role zoos can execute in joint efforts with in situ conservation and propagation; REALIZING that this decade may represent the last opportunity to save wildlife on this planet; CONSIDERING the deliberations in this Annual Conference of CBSG and IUDZG – The World Zoo Organization, RESOLVES to designate this decade of the 90’s as the “Save the Wildlife Decade”. Adopted at the 47th Annual Conference, Vancouver, September, 6th – 10th 1992 (A joint resolution by IUCN/SSC/CBSG and IUDZG – The World Zoo Organization)
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Ratification of International Convention on Biological Diversity and International Framework Convention on Climate Change RES.49.1 Recalling
IUCN’s World Conservation Strategy in 1980 based on the importance of nature conservation and sustainable development.
Recalling
the joint CBSG IUDZ resolutions in Singapore 1992 on the coming UNCED Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 1992 and the designation of the decade of the 90s as the “Save the Wildlife Decade” in Vancouver, September 1992.
Recognizing
the aim of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy as being to help conserve the earth’s fastdisappearing wildlife and biodiversity on a global scale.
Realizing
that to save wildlife can be achieved only by saving our environments and ecosystems which is primarily the responsibility of all signatory parties at the Earth Summit in Brazil.
Cognizant
that at present forest destruction and habitat degradation is still rampant at an alarming rate of more than half a million hectares per annum.
Considering
the deliberations in this Annual Conference of CBSG and IUDZG – The World Zoo Organization
The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens and the Captive Breeding Specialist Group of IUCN Resolve
to urge all Governments/States to speed up their ratification of the International Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Framework Convention on Climate Change and deposit the instrument of ratification before the inaugural meeting of the convention in the month of November, 1994.
Moved by colleague Wheater and seconded by colleague Sharma. Approved unanimously at the Plenary Session of the 49th Annual Conference held from August 29th – September 1st, 1994 at Sao Paulo
Recommending the Inclusion into the World Nature Heritage List of the Vu-Quang Reserve RES.49.2 South-East Asia has a vast coverage of tropical rain forests. The conservation of the fauna of these forests and other major ecosystems is a concern of zoological parks and aquariums in the region and worldwide. In the late 20th century we have come to realize that biological resources have limits and that people are exceeding these limits. We face continuing rapid loss of biological resources through deforestation, forest fires, over harvesting of plants and animals from the wild, indiscriminate use of pesticides, pollution of the air and water bodies. Yet, recent discoveries of animal species still occur in remote areas in South-East Asia, i.e. new species of mammals, birds and fishes at the Vu-Quang Nature Reserve in Vietnam and possibly in the adjacent mountain territory in Laos. Another discovery of new species of mammals, birds and freshwater fishes occurred in Irian Jaya, Indonesia. These centres of biological diversity need to be conserved. Therefore, the annual meetings of CBSG and IUDZG RECOMMENDS that the Vu-Quang Nature Reserve in Vietnam and the adjacent territory in Laos be proposed by those countries for the World Nature Heritage List of UNESCO; and URGES that these countries be assisted by zoological societies, other conservation organizations, and IUCN to obtain and maintain the status of a World Natural Heritage Site for the Vu-Quang Nature Reserve and adjacent Laotian territory.
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Submitted by General Ashari, moved by colleague Wheater and seconded by colleague Harrison. Approved unanimously at the Plenary Session of the 49th Annual Conference, held from August 29th – September 1st, 1994 at Sao Paulo
Implementation of the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity (Joint IUCN/SSC/CBSG and WAZA Resolution) RES.51.1 Realising
that biological diversity that comprises genes, species and ecosystems is one of earth’s most valuable assets for supporting economic development and maintaining human welfare all over the world.
Recognising
that the Earth Summit Conference 1992 in Rio de Janeiro has produced several international commitments to support the implementation of the concept of sustainable development. One of these commitments was reflected in the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity. At the time of signing, the convention was signed by 157 heads of countries/states or their representatives.
Recognising
that the first conference of the Parties (COP1), held in Nassau, Bahamas in November 1994 decided on the venue of the second Conference of Parties (COP2) to be Jakarta, November 6 – 17, 1995 with it’s theme: “BIODIVERSITY FOR EQUITABLE WELFARE OF ALL PEOPLE”
Recognising
that in a view of the rapid loss of biodiversity and the risk of the development and implementation of biotechnology, the Second Conference of the Parties (COP2) to be the strategic momentum for concrete global and justifiable action plan as a new approach for global partnership that should be reflected within international and regional cooperation for conservation and development.
Recognising
the aim of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy as to help conserve the earth’s rapidly disappearing Wildlife and Biodiversity on a global scale.
Recalling
the joint CBSG-IUDZG resolutions in Singapore in 1991 on the UNCED Conference in Rio de Janeiro 1992, the designation of the decade of the 90’s as the “Save the Wildlife Decade” in Vancouver, September 1992 and the Ratification of the International Convention on Biological Diversity and the International Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sao Paulo, August 1994.
Considering
the deliberations in the Annual meetings of CBSG and WAZA, and the workshop on Futures Search for the WAZA held in Cologne, May 1995. The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens
Resolves
to urge all signatory parties to implement concrete actions in undertaking the obligations embodied in the Convention on Biological Diversity, for the benefit of Life on Earth, for present and future generations.
Adopted at the 50th Annual Conference, Dublin, 1 – 5 October 1995
Mission of the WAZA Committee on Inter-Regional Conservation Cooperation (CIRCC) RES.51.2 The mission of the WAZA Committee on Inter-regional Conservation Cooperation (CIRCC) is to facilitate, promote and support the important work of its member regional associations and institutions in wildlife and habitat conservation from a global perspective. This mission will be accomplished through the following activities: • • •
Organizing regular meetings and mailings that promote inter-regional communication and cooperation in conservation and science. Making recommendations regarding the standardisation of certain animal record keeping and population management procedures across member regions and institutions. Assisting in the implementation of these recommendations as appropriate and necessary. Encouraging members to manage their captive animal populations scientifically (i.e. genetically and demographically) and in cooperation with others both regionally and globally, as appropriate and necessary.
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• • • • •
Encouraging members to plan their animal collections carefully, so that each species and individual has a welldefined conservation function. Encouraging members to contribute directly to the conservation of endangered and threatened species and their habitats in nature. Facilitating inter-regional training and technology transfer by helping to communicate needs and encouraging cooperation and exchange of relevant information and skills between developed and developing regions. Providing technical advice on various aspects of zoo- and aquarium-based conservation and science to members and the WAZA Council. Making recommendations to the WAZA Council and appropriate regional governing bodies for possible action.
Adopted at the 50th Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado, 25 – 29 August 1996
Heini Hediger Award Guidelines RES.51.3 The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens – The World Zoo Organisation (IUDZG-WZO) hereby establishes an award to be called the Heini Hediger Award. Normally, no more than one such award shall be given in any one year. Since the standards are high, it is anticipated that there will be years when there will be no successful candidates, in which case, no award shall be given. A nominee must unquestionably and clearly meet the following standards: 1. 2.
Excellent and unstinting service to the zoological Park and aquarium community. Known to be strongly committed to the causes of conservation, education, scientific investigation and recreation as part of the activities of the zoological park and aquarium community and to be committed to furthering these causes.
Any full member may make a nomination for the Heini Hediger Award. Nominations must be made in writing to the IUDZG President not less than two weeks prior to the mid-year meeting of IUDZG-WZO Council; the nomination must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae of the nominee. During IUDZG-WZO Council’s mid-year meeting, the members of the Council will be asked if they have any additional nominations for the Heini Hediger Award. If there is more than one nominee, the Council members are polled until one nominee gets a minimum of three votes. If there is but one nominee, a minimum of two-thirds of the Council members present must vote for the nomination for it to be in effect. An abstention shall be counted as a nay vote. The nominee’s qualifications are to be reconsidered at the annual Conference of the IUDZG-WZO Council; and if there are no more than two nay votes, the nominee is confirmed as that year’s recipient of the award. Abstentions shall be counted as nays. All polling shall be by written ballot. The results of all polling connected with this award shall be secret, and the results shall not be revealed to the membership until the presentation of the award at the annual meeting. The award may be conferred posthumously. Adopted at the 50th Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado, 25 – 29 August 1996
Conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biological diversity through the education and implementation of safer collection methods of live fish and invertebrates RES.51.4 Recognizing that destruction of marine and coastal regions has reached an alarming scale, in part, due to destructive methods of collection. Recognizing the aim of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy is to help conserve Earth’s rapidly disappearing wildlife on a global scale. Recalling the CBSG – IUDZG resolution on the implementation of the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity, October 5, 1995 Dublin, Ireland.
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Considering the deliberations in the Annual Meetings of CBSG and IUDZG, the World Zoo Organization, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, August 1996. The International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens and the IUCN Captive Breeding Specialist Group resolve • • • •
to urge the cooperative efforts of the Aquarium community, the pet trade, collectors and wholesalers not to support or use fish and invertebrate collection methods that cause damage to the environment. to urge the Aquarium community to actively use their facilities and resources to inform, educate and inspire the millions of people visiting their institutions each year and thus enlist much needed help for conserving aquatic biodiversity for future generations. to actively encourage research in the reproductive and related sciences of these resources as a viable alternative to collecting. To actively encourage the educational process of improved collection techniques.
Submitted by General Ashari and unanimously adopted at the 50th Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado, 25 – 29 August 1996
WAZA’s Philosophy on International Training and Technology Transfer* RES.51.5 As an international organisation developed to advance the zoo and aquarium profession worldwide, WAZA – The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums – has an important responsibility to facilitate, promote and support the exchange of information, skills, and technology between its member associations and institutions. In the end this will assist the development of global cooperation for wildlife conservation and advance the zoo and aquarium profession as a whole. The following philosophy should guide the development of cooperative training initiatives: 1. 2. 3.
4.
5. 6.
The goal of all international training/technology transfer should be to empower member individuals, institutions and regional associations to take conservation action in their own regions. Training needs of member regions/countries should be identified within that region by the representative association. In developing regions, basic principles of animal care and management should be in place before advanced techniques are initiated. WAZA should not overemphasize advanced technologies that cannot be used at present due to the high cost or lack of consistent success. Training programmes must be developed in a cooperative manner with the host country/region. Trainers should have an understanding of the cultural and political concerns of the region/country and follow the ethical guidelines developed by WAZA’s CIRCC for international training. International training/technology transfer cannot be viewed as a “one time” project, but should be seen as a long-term effort, including follow-up and tracking of the programme effectiveness and implementation. Professional training and technology transfer is one of the many tools to effect conservation. It should be appropriately integrated into the region’s comprehensive conservation strategy.
Adopted at the 50th Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado, 25 – 29 August 1996 * Current name used in this resolution
WAZA Policy on Collection Planning* RES.51.6 The WAZA Committee on Inter-regional Conservation Cooperation (CIRCC) represents all of the world’s existing cooperative regional/national captive breeding programmes. As such, it strongly encourages all member regional associations and institutions to plan their animal collections (including both endangered and non-endangered taxa) systematically and collectively. Where collections are developed independently and on the basis of individual preferences, it may lead to populations that are not able to be managed for long-term genetic viability or demographic stability. In addition, a taxon’s ability to contribute to collective conservation goals may not be considered, thus decreasing our potential contribution. CIRCC therefore recommends that: • • •
That all member regional/national associations and institutions document their collection plans and communicate them both between and within regions. That an effort be made to integrate regional/national plans globally as appropriate and necessary. That unless explicit short-term conservation objectives are identified, all taxa designated for regional and global cooperative management be managed genetically and demographically for long-term sustainability.
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•
That a taxon’s ability to contribute to wildlife and habitat conservation be considered in the selection process. This can be accomplished through public education, scientific research, the development of relevant technologies, professional training and technology transfer, ecotourism, and fund-raising to support field conservation.
Adopted at the 50th Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado, 25 – 29 August 1996 *Current name used
WAZA Policy Statement on Professional Training and Technology Transfer RES.51.7 WAZA – The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums recognizes the importance of and encourages training and technology transfer between its member zoological associations and institutions. The many benefits modern zoos and aquariums derive from such activities include an enhanced ability to: 1) Promote individual animal health and welfare. The technical skills required to care for wild animals in zoos and aquariums and to promote their well-being are becoming increasingly sophisticated. In order to maintain a wide variety of species, it is therefore essential that modern zoo managers must continually improve their knowledge of many aspects of animal husbandry, care and exhibition. 2) Sustain valuable and often irreplaceable animal populations. Zoos and aquariums are dependent on having live animals to exhibit and to support their conservation and scientific programmes. Small populations are at increased risk both in the wild and in zoos and aquariums, and cooperative management its required to sustain them. It is therefore increasingly necessary to manage captive breeding programmes on both a regional and global level, and what happens in one region can affect what happens in another. It is therefore important that all regions manage their collections responsibly, including appropriate genetic and demographic management. This cannot occur unless standard record keeping and population management technologies are spread to all cooperating regions worldwide. 3) Benefit from alternative approaches to animal management. Varied expertise and experience developed within the different regions should be considered a valuable resource. By sharing our knowledge through training and information exchange, animal management techniques will continue to improve. 4) Cooperate and communicate effectively. Inter-regional training and technology transfer offers many opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding. Such experiences improve zoo professionals’ ability to communicate and cooperate on a global level. 5) Educate the public about wildlife and conservation issues. One of the primary goals of modern zoos and aquariums is to increase public knowledge and awareness of wildlife and conservation issues. However, educational techniques used to reach the public are constantly evolving. It is therefore critical that such information be shared throughout the global zoo community. 6) Utilize our limited financial resources efficiently. By enhancing members’ ability to care for individual animals and sustain their populations over the long-term, professional training and technology transfer reduces both the need for and costs associated with animal acquisition, shipment and quarantine. In turn, these valuable resources could be used for other purposes, such as to improve facilities or support conservation activities. 7) Contribute to cooperative conservation initiatives. One of the goals of modern zoological institutions is to contribute to wildlife and habitat conservation worldwide. Methods used to recover and maintain endangered species and their habitats are complex and zoo– and aquarium– based conservation efforts could benefit greatly through ongoing training efforts. 8) Advance the zoological profession. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and poorly managed zoos and aquariums not only fail to fulfil their potential, but can also affect the reputation of professionally-managed institutions. One reason that an institution’s exhibition, animal management and veterinary programme may not be up to current standards is a lack of appropriate training. Training efforts are therefore critical to the advancement of the zoological profession and the improvement of facilities that do not meet regional standards. 9) Obtain outside funding from sources whose goal is to foster international cooperation and cultural exchange. By seeking funding cooperatively through WAZA, the world’s organised regional zoo associations may be able to take advantage of funding opportunities that might not otherwise be available. This is particularly true of foundations and corporations whose primary purpose is to support international cooperation and cultural exchange. Adopted at the 50th Annual Conference, Denver, Colorado, 25 – 29 August 1996 as the IUDZG-The World Zoo Organization’s Policy Statement on Professional Training and Technology Transfer
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1997 – WAZA Position Statement on Conservation Education RES.52.1 Whereas IZE has been selected at the Denver 1996 Conferences the professional organization charged with the responsibility for integrating conservation education into the WAZA Conservation Strategy, it shall act as partner with WAZA with its council and approval in a mode parallel to the CBSG/WAZA relationship. Whereas WAZA recognizes the rich cultural diversity within the zoo/aquarium community, it shall work to recommend a broad spectrum of scientifically sound educational approaches consistent with and respectful of the cultural traditions of its members. Whereas WAZA recognizes its responsibility to do its utmost to support the preservation of wildlife for future generations, it shall draw on the creativity of its members to facilitate the delivery of outstanding models of life-long conservation education to the world’s zoos and aquariums. Whereas WAZA recognizes that responsible zoos and aquariums have education as a vital component of their mission, it shall work closely with IZE to integrate the education function into exhibit design, exhibition, signage, public programs, conservation science and research, marketing, and other critical functions. Whereas IZE has been established to facilitate the exchange of up-to-date information, research, and models of best professional practice, it shall work to make available to WAZA member institutions, its considerable intellectual resources for the purpose of accelerating the integration of education in the WZCS. Therefore, it is resolved that education is to be considered henceforth, one of the primary tools for conservation and the WAZA will exercise leadership in promoting this concept to its member institutions and provide the necessary support for its implementation. Adopted at the 52nd Annual Conference, Berlin, 17 – 21 August 1997 Edited: “WZO” replaced by “WAZA”
Mission, Roles and Values of IUDZG-WZO RES.52.2 Mission The IUDZG-WZO promotes effective stewardship of the natural world by encouraging its members to bring people close to living animals, applying and advancing conservation science and education, and setting standards of excellence in animal welfare and environmental responsibility.
Roles • • • • •
Using the fascinating experience of living animals to connect people to the natural world in a way which promotes stewardship of biodiversity Increasing public and political awareness of the necessity of conservation, natrual resource sustainability, and the creation of a new equilibrium between humans and nature Integrating our propagation, husbandry, and animal management work with field programmes to conserve species and ecosystems Using scientific methods and increasing scientific knowledge and expertise that will benefit conservation Working in partnership with zoo and conservation organisations all over the world
Values • • •
We act ethically, with integrity and with respect for the animals in our care, the different cultures in our world and the people with whom we work and serve We lead by example in ecological effectiveness and sustainable use of resources We communicate actively and openly
Submitted by a working group and unanimously adopted at the 52nd Annual Conference, Berlin, 17 – 21 August 1997
Recommendation: „The World Zoo Organization calls on the world’s zoos to consider population management above ownership, particularly for threatened species“. Adopted at the 53rd Annual Meeting, Port of Nagoya, 12 – 16 October 1998
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Recommendation: The zoo community should take full responsibility for regulating its own affairs. The World Zoo Organization encourages every regional zoo association to reach minimum standards and to cease animal transfers with zoos that do not meet regional standards of: • • • • •
Animal welfare and husbandry Veterinary care Educational pursuit Conservation programme effort De-commercialization of trade in species
Adopted at the 53rd Annual Conference, Port of Nagoya, 12 – 16 October 1998
Establishment of a Permanent Secretariat RES.54.1 The World Zoo Organization will facilitate cooperation among regions through a small Secretariat. This Secretariat will lead a global campaign to demonstrate and expand the direct in situ conservation impact of zoos and aquariums. 1. Assemble a global list of current in situ conservation projects of member Institutions and Associations. We anticipate 1’000 or more already exist. Member Associations will be asked to do this to provide the basis for a Global Campaign. 2. Carry out a multi-regional strategic Future Search / Planning Process over the next 9 months, involving members in each of several regions. Generate and refine a clear and global vision of what we are going to do and how it will be done. Contract with CBSG to provide this planning service. 3. Establish a 2-person professional Secretariat (Director and Secretary) in order to: a) Lead a Global Campaign (clarified by Planning above) to save species, and to protect habitats. b) Facilitate inter-regional cooperation c) Strengthen member services 4. Base the WZO Secretariat at ZSL in London (subject to negotiations). 5. Continue the WZO Pledge Drive to fund the full-time Secretariat and cover Future Search / Planning costs. 6. After a transitional period, the London Secretariat will perform the duties of the current part-time Secretariat located at ISIS. Adopted at the 54th Annual Conference, Pretoria, 17 – 23 October 1999
Bushmeat RES.56.1 Noting that the international bushmeat crisis is continuing and that as a result many species are threatened worldwide; Reminding members that WAZA adopted a resolution at its AGM in Palm Springs (2000) encouraging its members to take an active role in fighting the international bushmeat crisis; Noting that the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) launched a Bushmeat Campaign, involving some 170 zoos in 25 countries in September 2000; Commending EAZA for successfully running its Bushmeat Campaign over the past year, and for offering to share its experience with other WAZA members; Calls upon the European Parliament, the European Commission and the African leaders to seriously respond to the actions put forward by EAZA in regard to solving the bushmeat crisis in Central and West Africa; Encourages EAZA to continue its important efforts in fighting the international bushmeat crisis;
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Recommends that its member institutions and associations in other regions become actively involved in combating the illegal trade and consumption of endangered wildlife through the launch of similar campaigns; Invites EAZA to provide technical support and advice to other regions if so required. Adopted at the 56th Annual Conference, Perth Zoo, Australia, 22 – 25 October 2001
Marketing Committee Resolutions RES.57.1 Membership •
• • • •
Standing Committee Membership to be restricted to a comparatively small group (about 7 or 8 persons) to maximise efficiency, with a representation which broadly reflects the three supra-regional ‘baskets’ of membership - Europe (52%); North America (30%); ‘other’ including Australasia, Africa , South America and Asia (18%). The above 4 individuals to be endorsed as representatives of Europe, North America and Australasia, respectively. One further candidate to be recruited from ‘basket II’ and another from ‘basket III’. One candidate to be recruited on the recommendation of IZE, to cover areas of overlap between marketing, communications and education. Advisory technical support to be drawn from professional marketers, as required. In this connection, pro bono consultancy relationship (web site and television) to be continued/fostered with Beyond Group, and further developed with Young & Rubicam (Switzerland) and others, as necessary.
Patronage An individual Patron (an international conservation figure such as Sir David Attenborough) or Patrons should be recruited to assist with the better recognition, acceptance and promotion of the WAZA brand
Meetings Annual meetings of the Marketing Committee to typically include a closed administrative session and an open session to canvas the views of the membership
Role •
• •
The role of the Marketing Committee is to: provide marketing and PR recommendations, advice and support to Council, its Committees and to the Executive. WAZA is the only global association in the world that brings together zoos and aquariums for the purpose of working for conservation. Via the regions, it can provide access to a potential annual zoo visitor audience of 600 million (which surpasses even CNN or football); and allowing for an average dwell time of 3hr provides 1,800 million hr of potential market exposure. The Marketing Committee has a prime role in positioning the organisation and selling it, such that WAZA acquires the global status and recognition of IUCN or WWF; and in helping address PR/Communications issues concerning member collections; or referred to the Mktg Comm by the regions
Key focus WAZA Marketing should concentrate on: • higher-level ‘added value’ aspects of supporting the membership and not seek to duplicate the functions of the marketing committees of the national and regional associations, notably EAZA and AZA. • Communicating WAZA conservation initiatives to key opinion formers/institutions at a higher level, rather than the general public (which is the role of member institutions and, to an extent, national and regional organisations).
Annual programme Annual WAZA Marketing Strategy and conference programme theme recommendations should be forwarded to Council each year for consideration, e.g. ‘Developing Sustainable Zoos’.
Conferences/seminars Marketing conferences and seminars to no longer be a prime organisational responsibility of WAZA. They remain the responsibility of the regional associations. WAZA should only act in this area where identified ‘gaps in the market’ remain unfilled, e.g. via a request for assistance from a developing region.
Campaigns Campaign development should focus on: •
Unique, specific, globally relevant WAZA initiatives, notably the promotion of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy (see below). It may seek to support as a longer-term strategy a truly global conservation initiative at a world heritage site, such as ‘Conserving the Galapagos Islands’ or a world famous national park. However, it
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should not seek to duplicate annual regional campaigns (such as the EAZA Atlantic Rainforest Campaign), but should act to co-promote such campaigns through, for example, its website and publications. •
Specifically, the Marketing Committee should support the Executive by providing campaign materials; timely advice, on demand, on major and critical PR issues, as they arise; and comment on major press releases. This function to be rapidly served via an email group. Also, develop, support and promote international branding initiatives to get the WAZA logo better known and respected and, as appropriate, advise on product development, membership literature, advertising proposals and fundraising/sponsorship. Also, to assist in lobbying initiatives and relationship management and in the development of benchmarking and a marketing database.
•
Membership Committee in addressing PR/ Communications issues concerning member collections; and in progressing membership strategy/drives, e.g. there are about 205 members of AZA but only about 60 of these are members of WAZA.
•
Aquarium Committee in ensuring that the promotional and other marketing/PR needs of the large and rapidly growing aquarium sector world-wide are fully taken into account
•
Ethics and Welfare Committee in public relations and communications issues concerning globally publicised issues for member collections; and relations with external collections (e.g. Kabul Zoo) and other bodies (e.g. Zoocheck).
•
Conservation Committee and CIRCC in communicating conservation challenges and progress - and particularly in marketing the proposed new version of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy (2003 onwards). The latter aspect is seen as a prime role of the Mktg Comm. Marketing materials developed may be used directly by WAZA or be communicated to the regions to be tailored for their specific purposes.
•
IZE Committee. To support and promote educational initiatives and cooperate in areas of overlap, e.g. communications.
Executive actions: • • • • • • •
Market research survey/evaluation of WAZA brand adoption (by membership) and recognition (by external conservation agencies, e.g. WWF, IUCN, IUCN, national government bodies). This should be conducted, via external consultancy (unpaid or paid) and through requests delegated to regional and national associations WAZA web site should aim to develop link with each member zoos web site Marketing database should be developed to provide global profiles, statistics and the analysis of trends, e.g. zoo visitor growth, economic data, market research surveys etc. This to be compiled by drawing, in part, on the regional association databases. Performance indicators/benchmarking tools to be developed A marketing profile to be developed (e.g. trade stand, mail shots) at major conservation events such as the Earth Summit Staff. Mindful of the severe labour constraints of the WAZA Office (I full time CEO/secretary versus, for example, the AZA office with 26 staff including a marketing & PR professional) WAZA should, at the appropriate point, recruit a marketing and PR professional among an expanded compliment of staff. Finance. The financial allocation for marketing to be determined by the demands of particular WAZA programmes/campaigns and consultancy needs. A resource adequate to address the needs of media advertising needs to be developed and to support the development of a profile at international conservation events. Sponsorship ‘in cash or kind’ to be sought at every available opportunity.
Adopted at the 57th Annual Conference, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Vienna, Austria, 13 – 17 August 2002
Code of Animal Welfare RES.57.2 Preamble This code should be read in conjunction with the WAZA Code of Ethics. Members of WAZA will ensure that all animals in their care are treated with the utmost care and their welfare should be paramount all times. At all times, any legislated codes for animal welfare should be regarded as minimum standards. Appropriate animal husbandry practices must be in place and sound veterinary care available. When an animal has no reasonable quality of life, it should be euthanised quickly and without suffering.
Use of Zoo and Aquarium Based Animals Where "wild" animals are used in presentations, these presentations must:
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a) b) c)
deliver a sound conservation message, focus on natural behaviour, not demean or trivialise the animal in any way.
If there is any indication that the welfare of the animal is being compromised, the presentation should be brought to a conclusion. When not being used for presentation, the "off-limit" areas must allow the animal sufficient room to exercise and should contain adequate items for behavioural enrichment. While the code focuses on zoo and aquarium based "wild" animals, the welfare of domestic animals, e.g. sheep, goats, horses, etc., in, e.g., petting zoos should not be compromised.
Exhibit Standards All exhibits must be of such size and volume as to allow the animal to express its natural behaviours. Enclosures must contain sufficient material to allow behavioural enrichment and allow the animal to express natural behaviours. The animals should have areas to which they may retreat and separate facilities should be available to allow separation of animals where necessary, e.g. cubbing dens. At all times animals should be protected from conditions detrimental to their well-being.
External Wild Animal Welfare Issues While this code of practice is designed for animals held within Zoos, Aquariums, Wildlife Parks, Sanctuaries, etc., WAZA abhors and condemns ill-treatment and cruelty to any animals and should have an opinion on welfare issues for wild animals external to its membership. WAZA requires that • The taking of animals and other natural resources from the wild must be sustainable and in compliance with national and international law and conform with the appropriate IUCN policy. • Any international trade in wild animals and animal products must be in compliance with CITES and the national legislation of the countries involved. WAZA opposes: • Illegal and unsustainable taking of animals and other natural resources from the wild, e.g. for bush meat, fur or skin, traditional medicine, timber production. • Illegal trade in wild animals and animal products. • Cruel and non-selective methods of taking animals from the wild. • Collecting for, or stocking of animal exhibits, in particular aquariums, with the expectation of high mortality. • The use, or supply of animals for “canned hunting”, i.e. shooting animals in confined spaces, or when semitranquilised or restrained. • Keeping and transporting of animals under inadequate conditions, e.g. the keeping of bears in confinement for the extraction of bile, dancing bears, roadside zoos or circuses / entertainment. WAZA and its members should make all efforts in their power to encourage substandard zoos and aquariums to improve and reach appropriate standards. If it is clear that the funding or the will to improve is not there, WAZA would support the closure of such zoos and aquariums. Submitted by Ed McAlister (Adelaide Zoo) and adopted at the 57th Annual Conference, Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Vienna, Austria, 13 – 17 August 2002
Criteria for Establishing an International Studbook RES.58.1 The Committee for Inter-Regional Conservation Cooperation (CIRCC) is the standing committee charged by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums with reviewing applications for establishing a new International Studbook. CIRCC has determined that an International Studbook may be justified on the basis of the following.
1.
Need for coordinated ex situ management in two or more regions
Where there is a recognised need for coordinating the management of ex situ populations amongst several regions, an international studbook would represent a key resource. Some coordination in the management of ex situ populations among regions may be required in the following instances.
1.1. Conservation Where clear conservation goals have been identified for the ex situ population, and these goals require some coordinated management of the ex situ population across two or more regions. This might occur:
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Where a taxon is listed as threatened2 or extinct in the wild by the IUCN AND
Where a proposal has been developed identifying conservation goals which require managing an ex situ population (note: this may include managing a long term insurance population) AND
Where the taxon is not held in sufficient numbers, or with a sufficient founder base, to allow for the retention, in the ex situ population, of at least 90% of wild gene diversity over the period of the programme in any one region OR
Where the goal of retaining, in the ex situ population, at least 90% of wild gene diversity over the period of the programme would be substantially easier under coordinated management across two or more regions.
1.2. Sustainability Where the wild status of the taxon does not necessitate management for conservation reasons, but the ex situ population represents a limited resource that would benefit from coordinated management across two or more regions. This might be valuable:
Where a taxon is rare in zoos and aquariums and acquiring additional animals from the wild is considered difficult, either for ethical or logistical reasons. OR
Where an ex situ population is both small and fragmented across different regions to the detriment of longterm sustainability and this may be ameliorated by coordinating management across two or more regions.
2. Legal Reasons In certain instances, an international studbook may provide the most convenient means of recording data required by permitting agencies. This may occur where a taxon held in zoos is of concern to government wildlife protection agencies, and some level of tracking and management is either required by, or would be useful to, these agencies. These may include taxa listed on CITES and taxa given special status for cultural reasons by national governments (e.g. Australian ‘Ambassador Species’). This Document (Doc. 58.19.3) was adopted by Council on 16 November 2003 and noted by Plenary, San José, Costa Rica.
Procedures and Responsibilities for Inter-Regional ex situManagement Programmes RES.58.2 Introduction Inter-Regional ex situ-management programmes are those programmes that: • aim to manage an ex situ-population across two or more regions with institutions holding the species, and that are represented by the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA); • are recognised and endorsed by WAZA. Such programmes are overseen by the WAZA’s Committee for Inter-regional Conservation Cooperation (CIRCC). Inter-Regional ex situ-management programmes are established to: 1. encourage effective collaboration at a multi-regional level in the management of ex situ populations of InterRegional priority 2. ensure appropriate consultation with relevant bodies in range states 3. regularly generate and distribute recommendations for the management of the taxon in zoos and aquariums 4. maximise zoo and aquarium contributions to the conservation of those species and their habitats
2
Species are considered threatened by the IUCN if listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable.
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The structure of an Inter-Regional ex situ-management programme is designed to: 1. ensure agreement on the goals of the programme, and the strategy by which these are pursued; 2. facilitate peer review of programme recommendations; 3. ensure that each participating regional association is able to promote and support the recommendations of the Inter-Regional programme to their members; 4. provide an avenue for conflict resolution.
Structure of an Inter-Regional ex situ Programme Management Committee An Inter-Regional ex situ management programme is run by a management committee that has been authorised by CIRCC. The programme management committee is made up of all regionally appointed ex situ-population managers of WAZA member associations (all relevant regional species coordinators and/or studbook keepers) as well as the International Studbook Keeper if one exists. A programme coordinator is elected by the management committee from amongst its members, and serves for a two-year term. An incumbent Inter-Regional programme coordinator may stand for re-election.
Programme advisors The management committee can involve in its discussions other programme advisors as invited by the Programme Coordinator on behalf of the committee. These might include, for example, representatives of appropriate disciplinebased specialist groups or of appropriate conservation agencies (or an appointed wildlife agency liaison). Programme advisers can contribute to the programme in any way the management committee sees fit but do not hold decisionmaking (i.e. voting) positions on the committee.
Programme participants Participants in an Inter-Regional ex situ-Management Programme may include 1. participants in Regional ex situ-Management Programmes; 2. in regions where no Regional ex situ-Management Programme for the species concerned exists: institutions being either WAZA institution members or institutions affiliated with a WAZA association member. This will ensure that these institutions have to comply with the WAZA Code of Ethics.
Administering Inter-Regional ex situ Programmes Responsibilities of the management committee The management committee is charged with: 1. developing an Inter-Regional ex situ-management plan which documents explicit programme goals, and develops a strategy for long-term management of the Inter-Regional ex situ-population; 2. developing and circulating regular management recommendations; 3. assessing the potential contribution of the Inter-Regional ex situ population to broad-based conservation goals (research, conservation awareness, fundraising, reintroduction/ supplementation, other in situ support); 4. assessing the potential for zoos and aquariums to contribute to the conservation of the relevant species or habitat through means other than the ex situ-population. Regional representatives should act as the key point of contact between the management committee and institutions within the relevant region. Regional representatives are responsible for: 1. In the first instance, contacting all institutions within the relevant region that are members of regional associations, and which currently hold the taxon, and informing each that a WAZA-endorsed Inter-Regional programme has been established; 2. Ensuring that the region’s institutions are included in the program’s consultation process, and that their needs are taken account of in the programme strategy; 3. Ensuring that the region’s institutions are kept informed of developments in the program, and of their responsibilities towards the programme.
The Inter-Regional Programme Coordinator is responsible for: 1. overseeing the proceedings and deliberations of the management committee; 2. coordinating the production of a Inter-Regional ex situ-management plan (including ensuring such a document represents the consensus of the management committee); 3. coordinating the production of regular management recommendations for participating institutions (including ensuring such recommendations represents the consensus of the management committee); 4. informing the CIRCC chair of any changes to the membership of the management committee; 5. submitting an annual programme report to the CIRCC chair.
Responsibilities of WAZA – CIRCC Through the CIRCC, WAZA is responsible for:
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1. reviewing petitions for establishing Inter-Regional ex situ Management Programmes; 2. informing all regional associations when any new Inter-Regional ex situ-Management Programme has been established, and providing details of the management committee; 3. circulating an annual progress report on Inter-Regional ex situ management programmes, as compiled by the CIRCC chair; 4. resolving problems in the administration of programmes, as reported by the CIRCC chair; 5. Reviewing the progress of Inter-Regional programmes and their on-going appropriateness on an annual basis. The CIRCC chair (or delegated person) is responsible for: 1. overseeing the process of nomination and endorsement of new applications; 2. producing an annual report on the status of all Inter-Regional ex situ-Management Programmes, including a compilation of progress reports from programme coordinators; 3. reporting to CIRCC any outstanding issues which may be holding up progress in any programme; 4. keeping the relevant World Conservation Union/Species Survival Commission (IUCN/SSC) taxon specialist groups, and the IUCN/SSC/Conservation Breeding Specialist Group informed of the existence and progress of Inter-Regional ex situ Programmes.
Establishing an Inter-Regional ex situ Management Programme 1. Proposals for new Inter-Regional ex situ-Management Programmes should be submitted in writing to the CIRCC chair (according to a format to be determined by CIRCC) 2. CIRCC chair seeks comment from members of CIRCC (i.e. all regional associations). 3. If all regional associations support the proposal, it is presented for endorsement by the WAZA Council. Once full endorsement is obtained, the CIRCC chair informs the petitioners that the programme has official recognition. The CIRCC chair will also inform the relevant World Conservation Union/Species Survival Commission (IUCN/SSC) taxon specialist group, and the IUCN/SSC/Conservation Breeding Specialist Group.
Reporting 1. Membership of the management committee is reported to the CIRCC chair (or delegated person), as it is first established and as any subsequent changes are made. 2. At the outset of the program, the management committee will produce a Inter-Regional ex situ management plan outlining the goals of the programme and long-term strategies for achieving those goals. (This document is to include a statement of how often the management committee plans to update management recommendations, and to review programme goals and strategies.) 3. Annual progress reports to be forwarded to the CIRCC chair (or delegated person). 4. Regular recommendations to institutions to be circulated at a frequency described in the Inter-Regional ex situManagement Plan. This Document (Doc. 58.19.5) was unanimously adopted by the Plenary at 58th Annual Conference, held in San JosĂŠ, Costa Rica, 16-20 November 2003
Responsibilities for the International Studbooks RES.58.3 A. International studbooks are those officially recognised and endorsed by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and by the World Conservation Union/Species Survival Commission (IUCN/SSC). B. The International Studbook Programme is coordinated by the International Studbook Coordinator, who has the following responsibilities: 1. to oversee the process of nomination and endorsement of new studbook and new studbook keepers: copies of the proposal form, and guarantee and support form, are attached 2. to inform the applicant and other relevant bodies of the endorsement of new studbooks 3. to produce an annual report for CIRCC and WAZA. This report records changes which have taken place since the last report, including contact details of new studbooks, and changes in the status of individual studbooks and studbook keepers. The report also highlights matters which need to be discussed by CIRCC and WAZA. 4. where studbook data has become more than three years out of date the co-ordinator will ask for an explanation and will take action if necessary. 5. to ensure that any change of studbook keeper or supporting institution has the approval of the relevant regional association and CIRCC 6. to report to CIRCC the details of any complaint registered by a regional association regarding an international studbook keeper 7. to maintain a data base and all relevant archival material relating to international studbooks 8. to maintain a library of all published international studbooks
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9. to deal with all correspondence relating to the initiation, up-keep , quality, publication and availability of international studbooks 10. to liaise and cooperate with the production of the annual ISIS-WAZA Studbook CD- ROM 11. to oversee the production of the summary annual report of all international studbooks which is published in the International Zoo Yearbook. Each entry contains the common and scientific name of the species or subspecies, the name and contact address of the studbook keeper, the total number of individuals registered in the studbook, the latest annual figures for births, deaths and if any, imports from the wild, and the title and date of the last published studbook. C. The Committee for Inter-Regional Conservation Cooperation (CIRCC) is the standing committee charged by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums with reviewing applications for establishing a new International Studbook. The Committee has the overall responsibility for overseeing all international studbooks, and the International Studbook Coordinator reports to CIRCC. D. The ‘Rules and procedures for international studbooks’ are issued and regularly amended by CIRCC, and are sent to all studbook keepers and to all new applicants. This Document (Doc.58.19.2) was adopted by CIRCC on 11 November 2003 and noted by Council and Plenary, San José, Costa Rica. It was later replaced by a new document “Responsibilities regarding International Studbooks and Global Species Management Programmes adopted by CIRCC at Budapest, August 25, 2007.
International Studbooks and the International Coordinator RES.58.4 History The first studbook for a wild animal in captivity was for the European bison (wisent) and was published in 1932. Volume 5 of the International Zoo Yearbook gave prominence to an official statement from the 1964 Symposium on Zoos and Conservation, sponsored by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN, now the World Conservation Union) and the International Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens and Aquariums (IUDZG, now WAZA), and the International Council for Bird Preservation (ICBP, now Birdlife International, that studbooks should be started fo certain rare species in captivity. Studbooks were officially established in 1966 by IUCN/SSC, and the first list of studbooks was published in volume 6 of the Yearbook. The Zoo Liaison Committee/IUCN became the central organizing body and was responsible for the production and publication of the first rules and procedures for the establishment and maintenance of international studbooks. In October 1970 the Council of the Zoological Society of London agreed to a proposal from IUCN/SC that the Society be responsible for the coordination of international studbooks and that the editor of the International Zoo Yearbook should undertake this task. By the early 1970s the work of the Zoo Liaison Committee, including its studbook over-seeing role, had been superseded by the recently initiated Captive Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG, now Conservation Breeding Specialist Group) of IUCN/SSC. The Editor of the IZY continued to act as international coordinator and thus reported annually to CBSG, and in 1980 published in the IZY the first major amendment of the rules and procedures. In 1994 the newly formed CIRCC, which reports to WAZA, accepted the overall responsibility of international studbooks. In 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000 the rules were again reviewed and up-dated. In 1975 when I was Curator of Birds, I also took on the editorship of the IZY and in that capacity inherited the role of international coordinator. That role has gradually evolved, by almost imperceptible accretion, expanding in scope and use of time. There has been a considerable increase in the number of studbooks and in quality and quantity of studbook data; in 1975 there were 37 officially recognised studbooks and in September 2003 there are 174. In November 2003 I will retire from the position of international coordinator and Chris West, Zoological Director of the Zoological Society of London, will take over. The IZY will continue to give their valuable and necessary support. Peter J. S. Olney September 2003
Proposal for an International Studbook Proposals for new studbooks should be submitted to the International Studbook Coordinator c/o International Zoo Yearbook, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK. Proposals submitted should include: 1) The reasons why an international studbook is thought to be necessary (no more than 1-23 pages). These should include: • data on the status in the wild and in captivity, with, where possible, references • threat categories, e.g. IUCN Red List, CITES • summary of reproductive history ex situ
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• •
husbandry problems and success a statement that the studbook is, or will become, part of a global and/or regional undertaking to manage the ex situ programme 2) Credentials of the petitioner(s), to include professional experience, academic qualifications, experience of computerised formats for compiling and analysing data e.g. SPARKS, and any other appropriate information. 3) A signed statement of commitment and guarantee by the petitioner and by an official of the petitioner’s institution. 4) The written approval for the studbook application from the regional zoo association. Note: It is recommended that if the proposed studbook keeper and institution are not from within the geographical range of the species then, if possible, a co-studbook keeper should be found from within the range of the species. Proposals submitted to the coordinator will be circulated by the coordinator to WAZA/CIRCC (Committee for Interregional Conservation Coordination) and to IUCN/SSC for comment and endorsement. The coordinator will inform the petitioner once the studbook has official recognition. Studbook keepers are expected to follow the ‘Rules and Procedures for International Studbooks’; copies obtainable from the International Studbook Coordinator, c/o International Zoo Yearbook. International Studbook Coordinator Tel: (020) 7449 6282. (020) 7449 6411. Email: yearbook@zsl.org
International Studbook Proposal - Statement of commitment and guarantee Studbook keeper As studbook keeper, I am willing and able to devote the necessary time to create and maintain an international studbook during my employment at this Institution Name of Applicant (Please print)
Signature of Applicant
Institution The_____________________________commits itself to providing adequate time, resources and financial support for the establishment, maintenance and publication of the______________________________international studbook. This Institution also assures the continuation of support or responsible transfer to another qualified institution in the event that the proposed studbook keeper can no longer continue with his/her studbook duties. Name of Director or Governing official (Please print name and title)
Signature of Director or Governing official
Completed forms should be returned to the International Studbook Coordinator c/o International Zoo Yearbook, The Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK. This Document (Doc. 58.19.4) was noted by Council on 16 November 2003, San José, Costa Rica
WAZA CODE OF ETHICS AND ANIMAL WELFARE RES.58.5 Preamble
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The continued existence of zoological parks and aquariums depends upon recognition that our profession is based on respect for the dignity of the animals in our care, the people we serve and other members of the international zoo profession. Acceptance of the WAZA World Zoo Conservation Strategy is implicit in involvement in the WAZA. Whilst recognising that each region may have formulated its own code of ethics, and a code of animal welfare, the WAZA will strive to develop an ethical tradition which is strong and which will form the basis of a standard of conduct for our profession. Members will deal with each other to the highest standard of ethical conduct. Basic principles for the guidance of all members of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums: (i)
Assisting in achieving the conservation and survival of species must be the aim of all members of the profession. Any actions taken in relation to an individual animal, e.g. euthanasia or contraception, must be undertaken with this higher ideal of species survival in mind, but the welfare of the individual animal should not be compromised. (ii) Promote the interests of wildlife conservation, biodiversity and animal welfare to colleagues and to society at large. (iii) Co-operate with the wider conservation community including wildlife agencies, conservation organisations and research institutions to assist in maintaining global biodiversity. (iv) Co-operate with governments and other appropriate bodies to improve standards of animal welfare and ensure the welfare of all animals in our care. (v) Encourage research and dissemination of achievements and results in appropriate publications and forums. (vi) Deal fairly with members in the dissemination of professional information and advice. (vii) Promote public education programs and cultural recreational activities of zoos and aquariums. (viii) Work progressively towards achieving all professional guidelines established by the WAZA.
At all times members will act in accordance with all local, national and international law and will strive for the highest standards of operation in all areas including the following: 1. Animal Welfare Whilst recognising the variation in culture and customs within which the WAZA operates, it is incumbent upon all members to exercise the highest standards of animal welfare and to encourage these standards in others. Training staff to the highest level possible represents one method of ensuring this aim. Members of WAZA will ensure that all animals in their care are treated with the utmost care and their welfare should be paramount all times. At all times, any legislated codes for animal welfare should be regarded as minimum standards. Appropriate animal husbandry practices must be in place and sound veterinary care available. When an animal has no reasonable quality of life, it should be euthanized quickly and without suffering. 2. Use of Zoo and Aquarium Based Animals Where "wild" animals are used in presentations, these presentations must:(a) deliver a sound conservation message, or be of other educational value, (b) focus on natural behaviour, (c) not demean or trivialise the animal in any way. If there is any indication that the welfare of the animal is being compromised, the presentation should be brought to a conclusion. When not being used for presentations, the "off-limit" areas must allow the animal sufficient space to express natural behaviour and should contain adequate items for behavioural enrichment. While the code focuses on zoos and aquarium based "wild" animals, the welfare of domestic animals, e.g., sheep, goats, horses, etc., in, e.g, petting zoos should not be compromised. 3. Exhibit Standards All exhibits must be of such size and volume as to allow the animal to express its natural behaviours. Enclosures must contain sufficient material to allow behavioural enrichment and allow the animal to express natural behaviours. The animals should have areas to which they may retreat and separate facilities should be available to allow separation of animals where necessary, e.g., cubbing dens. At all times animals should be protected from conditions detrimental to their well-being and the appropriate husbandry standards adhered to. 4. Acquisition of Animals All members will endeavour to ensure that the source of animals is confined to those born in human care and this will be best achieved by direct zoo to zoo conduct. The advice of the appropriate Species Co-ordinator should be sought before acquiring animals. This will not preclude the receipt of animals resulting from confiscation or rescues. It is recognised that, from time to time, there is a legitimate need for conservation breeding programs, education programs
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or basic biological studies, to obtain animals from the wild. Members must be confident that such acquisitions will not have a deleterious effect upon the wild population. 5. Transfer of Animals Members will ensure institutions receiving animals have appropriate facilities to hold the animals and skilled staff who are capable of maintaining the same high standard of husbandry and welfare as required of WAZA members. All animals being transferred will be accompanied by appropriate records with details of health, diet, reproductive and genetic status and behavioural characteristics having been disclosed at the commencement of negotiations. These records will allow the receiving institution to make appropriate decisions regarding the future management of the animal. All animal transfers should conform to the international standards and laws applying to the particular species. Where appropriate, animals should be accompanied by qualified staff. 6. Contraception Contraception may be used wherever there is a need for reasons of population management. The possible side effects of both surgical and chemical contraception, as well as the negative impact on behaviour, should be considered before the final decision to implement contraception is made. (last sentence deleted) 7. Euthanasia When all options have been investigated and the decision is taken that it is necessary to euthanise an animal, care will be taken to ensure it is carried out in a manner that ensures a quick death without suffering. Euthanasia may be controlled by local customs and laws but should always be used in preference to keeping an animal alive under conditions which do not allow it to experience an appropriate quality of life. Whenever possible a post-mortem examination should be performed and biological material preserved for research and gene conservation. 8. Mutilation Mutilation of any animal for cosmetic purpose, or to change the physical appearance of the animal, is not acceptable. Pinioning of birds for educational or management purposes should only be undertaken when no other form of restraint is feasible and marking animals for identification should always be carried out under professional supervision, in a way that minimises suffering. 9. Research Using Zoo Based Animals All zoos should be actively involved in appropriate research and other scientific activities regarding their animals and distribute the results to colleagues. Appropriate areas of research include exhibit design, observations, welfare, behaviour, management practices, nutrition, animal husbandry, veterinary procedures and technology, assisted breeding techniques, biological conservation and cryopresentation of eggs and sperm. Each zoo undertaking such research should have a properly constituted research committee and should have all procedures approved by a properly constituted ethics committee. Invasive procedures designed to assist in medical research are not to be performed on zoo animals however the opportunistic collection of tissues during routine procedures and collection of material from cadavers will, in most cases, be appropriate. The well-being of the individual animal and the preservation of the species and biological diversity should be paramount and uppermost in mind when deciding upon the appropriateness of research to be undertaken. 10. Release-to-the-Wild Programmes All release-to-the wild programmes must be conducted in accordance with the IUCN/SSC/Reintroduction Specialist Group guidelines for reintroduction. No release-to-the-wild program shall be undertaken without the animals having undergone a thorough veterinary examination to assess their fitness for such release and that their welfare post-release is reasonably safeguarded. Following release, a thorough monitoring program should be established and maintained. 11. Deaths of Animals Whilst in Care Unless there are sound reasons not to do so, each animal which dies in captivity, or during a release to the wild program, should undergo post-mortem examination and have a cause of death ascertained. 12. External Wild Animal Welfare Issues While this code of practice is designed for animals held within Zoos, Aquariums, Wildlife Parks, Sanctuaries, etc., WAZA abhors and condemns ill-treatment and cruelty to any animals and should have an opinion on welfare issues for wild animals external to its membership. WAZA requires that: • The taking of animals and other natural resources from the wild must be sustainable and in compliance with national and international law and conform with the appropriate IUCN policy.
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•
Any international trade in wild animals and animal products must be in compliance with CITES and the national legislation of the countries involved.
WAZA opposes: • Illegal and unsustainable taking of animals and other natural resources from the wild, e.g. for bush meat, corals, fur or skin, traditional medicine, timber production. • Illegal trade in wild animals and wild animal products. • Cruel and non-selective methods of taking animals from the wild. • Collecting for, or stocking of animal exhibits, in particular aquariums, with the expectation of high mortality. • The use, or supply of animals for “canned hunting”, i.e. shooting animals in confined spaces, or when semi tranquilised or restrained. • Keeping and transporting of animals under inadequate conditions, e.g., the keeping of bears in confinement for extraction of bile, dancing bears, roadside zoos or circuses / entertainment. WAZA and its members should make all efforts in their power to encourage substandard zoos and aquariums to improve and reach appropriate standards. If it is clear that the funding or the will to improve is not there, WAZA would support the closure of such zoos and aquariums. This document was prepared on the basis of the 1999 Code of Ethics and the 2002 Code of Animal Welfare. It was adopted at the Closed Administrative Session of the 58th Annual Conference, held on 19th November 2003 at San José, Costa Rica
WAZA Guidelines on the acceptance of seized or confiscated animals RES.58.6 Introduction 1. Live wild animals are seized and confiscated by local, regional and national authorities for a variety of reasons. After seizure, the authorities must ensure that the animals are temporarily placed at a facility where they are housed, fed and cared for according to animal welfare requirements. By the subsequent act of confiscation, the authorities become the owners of the animals and have to dispose of them in a responsible, timely and efficient manner, taking into account practical, legal, animal welfare and conservation aspects. 2.
The authorities are assumed to take into account the following guidelines when disposing of confiscated animals: a. the CITES Guidelines for the Disposal of Confiscated Live Specimens of Species included in the Appendices (Resolution Conf. 10. 7, adopted at the 10th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties, Harare (Zimbabwe), 9 to 20 June 1997); b. the IUCN Guidelines for the Placement of Confiscated Animals (approved by the 51st Meeting of the IUCN Council, Gland, Switzerland, February 2000). Both Guidelines refer to zoos and aquariums as suitable recipients of confiscated animals. They recognise, however, that zoos and aquariums generally cannot accommodate large numbers of animals that become available through confiscations and that, in particular for species with lower conservation value, the authorities may also have to explore other options, such as rescue centres, life-time care facilities, specialist societies, humane societies, commercial captive breeders, or research institutions. Further guidance is provided to the authorities by c. the IUCN Guidelines for Re-introductions (approved by the 41st Meeting of the IUCN Council, Gland, Switzerland, May 1995); and d. the IUCN Guidelines for the Prevention of Biodiversity Loss Caused by Alien Invasive Species (approved by the 51st Meeting of the IUCN Council, Gland, Switzerland, February 2000).
Acceptance of seized animals 3. Whenever possible, zoos and aquariums should support the efforts of their authorities by accepting to temporarily house, feed and care for seized animals. Institutions accepting such animals may request that their expenses will be reimbursed. It is strongly recommended that arrangements be made under which the costs will be charged to the confiscating authority rather than directly to the importer or owner of the animals. Advice to authorities regarding placement of animals 4. When confiscating animals, the authorities will have to take the basic decision whether the animals should a. be returned to the wild; b. be maintained in human care for the remainder of their natural lives;
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c.
5.
be euthanized.
To facilitate this basic decision, both the CITES and IUCN Guidelines contain decision trees. WAZA and its association members will not interfere with this stage of the decision making process. Individual zoos and aquariums will also refrain from influencing the authorities, unless they are (part of) the CITES Scientific Authority or belong to another government established consultative body and are approached by the authorities in that capacity.
Acceptance of confiscated animals for permanent keeping 6. Zoos and aquariums will accept confiscated animals only if they have the necessary expertise and can ensure appropriate care and accommodation of the animals in the long term. 7.
The animals may be accepted under a permanent loan agreement or as donations. A permanent loan agreement should also define the ownership of the offspring.
8.
While the receiving institutions may pay for transportation costs, they should refrain from buying the animals.
9.
Zoos and aquariums accepting animals will do so only if the transaction will not result in any benefits to the person or institution from which the animals were confiscated.
10.
If the animals belong to a species for which a coordinated regional conservation breeding programme exists, they should be integrated into that programme, if appropriate.
Acceptance of confiscated animals for returning them to the wild 11. If zoos or aquariums are requested by the confiscating authority to accept animals for returning them to the wild, they will accept only if the requirements of the IUCN Guidelines for Re-introductions are met. They will make sure that, during the whole process, these guidelines will be fully respected. Creating awareness and fundraising for conservation 12. Zoos and aquariums having confiscated animals on display should take the opportunity to inform the public about the reason, which led to the confiscation. In particular, they should make the public aware of the threats unsustainable and illegal trade poses to wild species and of the role CITES plays in combating such trade. 13.
Efforts should be made to raise funds for supporting in situ projects for the species concerned, especially in the case of high profile species, such as primates, large carnivores, elephants, rhinos, parrots, or marine turtles etc.
Adopted at the WAZA Plenary Session of 20 November 2003 – 58th Annual Conference, held at San José, Costa Rica, 2003.
WAZA Resolution on ISIS & ZIMS RES.58.7 • • • •
Whereas there is an evident need for a comprehensive registration system for ex situ animals, Whereas it is essential that this system be at the global level, Whereas ISIS, a WAZA Affiliate, exists to fulfill these functions but needs to modernize its systems, by building ISIS’ ZIMS: Therefore, be it resolved that WAZA endorses ISIS and supports the ZIMS project, and recommends strongly to its members that they: – Join and fully participate in ISIS – Support the development of ISIS’ ZIMS in all possible ways
Adopted at the WAZA Plenary Session of 20 November 2003 – 58th Annual Conference, held at San José, Costa Rica, 2003.
Mission, Vision and Values of WAZA RES.58.8 Mission To provide leadership and support for zoos, aquariums, and partner organisations of the world in animal care and welfare, conservation of biodiversity, environmental education and global sustainability
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Vision To be recognised as a trusted and leading partner in the conservation of biodiversity Values • The unique opportunity to inspire mass audiences and increase their level of commitment to sustainable conservation actions.Collective wisdom and unity of the Members. • The community of conservation. • Awareness of purpose, both internally and externally, including in relation to environmental education. • Sharing and caring, notably conserving the maintenance and development of values, best practice and ethical standards for animal welfare and conservation. • Research that enables the achievement of our mission. • Strategy development in order to establish priorities and enable facilitation Revised version as adopted at the WAZA Plenary Session of 20 November 2003 – 58th Annual Conference, held at San José, Costa Rica, 2003
Recognition of the Importance of the Educational Role of Zoos and Aquariums RES.59.1 WAZA recognizes that education is one of the pillars of the organisation. Accepting this, members are urged to join the International Zoo Educators organisation as institutional members, in order to strengthen the links between educators world-wide and allow them to expand their knowledge of educational tools and methods. This will be of great benefit to all visitors to zoos and aquariums, particularly children. Members are also urged to allow, and to financially support their educators to participate in meetings, workshops and other forums, thus giving them the ability to exchange information and methods with each other on a national, regional and international basis. In this way the IZE will be better able to assist WAZA in undertaking the task of education as detailed in the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 4 November 2004 – 59th Annual Conference, held at Taipei, Taiwan, 2004
Interpretation of the Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare RES.59.2 Members must adhere to the WAZA Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare and ensure that they do not accept animals obtained by the use of methods which are inherently cruel. An example of such a practice is the catching of dolphins by the use of a method known as “drive fishing”. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 4 November 2004 – 59th Annual Conference, held at Taipei, Taiwan, 2004
Future Amendment to the By-Laws RES.59.3 On the occasion of the next revision of the By-Laws, the following new objective shall be added to Article 2: To develop, practise and promote the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 4 November 2004 – 59th Annual Conference, held at Taipei, Taiwan, 2004
Amphibian Extinction Crisis RES.60.1 Recognizing: • That amphibians face an extinction crisis in several parts of the world; • That the complex factors behind the extinctions are not well understood; • That the spread of one of the immediate mortality agents, the chytrid fungus, cannot be halted in the wild; • That other areas of amphibian biodiversity are probably at similar risk. Therefore WAZA:
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• • • • •
Recognizes the significance of this ongoing extinction spasm; Acknowledges the pioneering efforts of various institutions and individuals (IUCN, CI, etc) in assessing amphibian status and the scale of the extinction process; Recognizes that accelerating efforts of various bodies, including many members of WAZA, to address the situation both in the wild and in captivity; Recognizes that its members have unique skills and abilities to mount a concerted amphibian conservation breeding program to establish captive assurance populations; Urges its members - both associations and individual institutions – to collaborate with IUCN and the bodies, including research institutions, set up to respond to this extinction crisis, and to provide all the resources possible to address this unprecedented situation.
There are many ways in which members can contribute their resources (skills, facilities, and financial help), but it is essential that the response is well coordinated and in conformity with principles and Action Plans now urgently being developed. WAZA commits itself to encourage its members to join together and contribute; WAZA itself will work with its Regional Associations to ensure its coordinating role is effective; WAZA will liaise with CBSG, which is facilitating the first phase of WAZA’s involvement; and WAZA will collaborate with the bodies established by IUCN and its partners to confront the ongoing extinction of amphibians. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 6 October 2005 – 60th Annual Conference, held at New York City, USA, 2005
WAZA Guidelines on Animal Transfers between Regions RES.60.2 Background WAZA recognises that the majority of movements of animals between regions are carefully considered and mutually beneficial. However, the WAZA notes that, in the past, some animal transactions between regions have resulted in: • The removal of key animals from coordinated programs in the sending region, thereby disrupting local programs; • The dispersal to another region of animals genetically surplus to the receiving region, to the detriment of the local program. WAZA aims to support the development and maintenance of coordinated programs to manage ex situ animal populations for their long-term sustainability. Further, WAZA promotes the principle of mutual support amongst regional associations for regional species management structures. Accordingly, WAZA urges all regional associations and program coordinators to follow the guidelines outlined below. The guidelines outline WAZA’s view on the responsibilities of sending and receiving institutions and species coordinators in the respective regions.
Guidelines for Animal Transfers between Regions Prior to the transfer of an animal from one region3 to another: Both sending and receiving institutions are responsible for ensuring: o That the transfer is endorsed by the coordinator of the relevant species management program4 operating in their own region, where such a program exists; o That the proposed transaction is not counter to recommendations made by the relevant advisory body5 in their own region (for example, a Taxon Advisory Group); o That the counterpart institution has confirmed the same for its own region.
Prior to endorsing the transfer of an animal out of or into a species management program: The coordinator of the species management program is responsible for determining: o That the transfer of the animal is not detrimental to the species management program;
A 'region' is a geographic area represented by a WAZA-recognised regional zoo and aquarium association. A species management program is a program for the coordinated management of the taxon across the relevant region, endorsed by the relevant regional association. 5 An advisory body is one run under the auspices of, or endorsed by, the relevant regional association. 3 4
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o
That the transfer of the animal is endorsed by the coordinator of the relevant species management program in the other region, where such a program exists.
Practical implications of the Inter-regional Acquisition & Disposition Policy Institution in Region A – sender Scenario 1 No program
Institution in Region B - receiver
Sending institution: • checks with relvant TAG, RCP, Association that the move is not contrary to regionally agreed strategy; • seeks assurance from recieving institution that the transfer is endorsed by program in receiving region. Scenario 2 Program Sending institution: • seeks endorsement from program coordinator in sending region; • seeks assurance that recieving institution has done same. Program coordinator in sending region: • informs both sending institution and program coordinator in receiving region of endorsement of the transfer. Scenario 3 Program Sending institution: • seeks endorsement from program coordinator in sending region.
Receiving institution: • seeks endorsement from program coordinator in receiving region.
Scenario 4 No Program Sending institution: • checks with relevant TAG, RCP, Association that the move is not contrary to regionally agreed strategy; • seeks assurance that receiving institution has done same.
Program
Program Receiving institution: • seeks endorsement from program coordinator in receiving region; • seeks assurance that sending institution has done same. Program coordinator in receiving region: • informs both receiving institution and program coordinator in sending region of endorsement of the transfer.
No Program Receiving institution: • checks with relvant TAG, RCP, Association that the transfer is not contrary to regionally agreed strategy; • seeks assurance from sending institution that the transfer is endorsed by program in sending region. No Program Receiving institution: • checks with relvant TAG, RCP, Association that the transfer is not contrary to regionally agreed strategy; • seeks assurance that sending institution has done same.
Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 6 October 2005 – 60th Annual Conference, held at New York City, USA, 2005.
WAZA Recommendations on Cooperation between Associations RES.60.3 Introduction Cooperation at all levels is crucial to the cohesion of the WAZA Network and all that it stands for. The purpose of the present document is to enhance such cooperation by promoting the establishment and improvement of association partnerships and networks. In doing so it will assist regional and national associations in their efforts to create a conservation conscience appropriate to their culture and to bring the activities of all their members into a common ethical and technical framework. WAZA and association members will develop a culture of mutual respect, trust and understanding and will support and promote one another.
Conservation 44
Association members should ensure that their constituencies adhere to the ‘WAZA Guidelines for Member in situ Conservation Involvement’. It should be noted that WAZA and associations members are credible conservation organisations only if the institution members themselves strive to become centres of conservation.
Animal Management Regional and national associations are strongly encouraged to pursue the development of cooperative animal management initiatives. To this effect, WAZA will develop Conservation Breeding Guidelines. Where coordinated conservation breeding programmes based on sound science and management exist, WAZA provides the forum for dialogue and cooperation in the form of the Committee for Inter-Regional Conservation Coordination (CIRCC). In instances where regional programmes link together to address global conservation strategies, WAZA defines some required parameters in the ‘Procedures and Responsibilities for Inter-Regional ex situ-Management Programmes’ (San José 2003). All conservation breeding programmes should be evaluated in terms of their objectives, status and viability. An evaluation system will be provided through WAZA.
Animal Welfare Regional and national associations are expected to adopt the ‘WAZA Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare’ as an absolute minimum standard for animal welfare issues in their region. Associations are encouraged to develop and implement accreditation systems or other peer-reviewed means for ensuring a high standard of animal keeping, in particular for those species managed by cooperative ex situ breeding programmes. Such systems, under most circumstances, should be acknowledged by other association members as adequate animal welfare competency.
Education and Training WAZA will cooperate with the International Zoo Educators Association (IZE) with a view of assisting upon request, association members in the formulation of training and education policies and protocols. Association members are encouraged to develop education and training resources and capacity that can be shared internationally. They may avail themselves of the opportunities to enhance training and education potential as represented by WAZA’s CIRCC Training Grant Programme.
Marketing and Public Relations WAZA and association members need to have certain information so that they can maintain a profile of their respective constituencies and of the WAZA Network as a whole. This will assist in the provision of definitive marketing and public relations information, which will lead to a better service to the membership. Association members should, therefore, make every effort to collect and collate institutional membership information and to share it with WAZA and with one another. Association members should promote WAZA, all other association members and the affiliates by linking their respective websites. Association members should take a collaborative approach to marketing campaigns which target specific taxa or habitats in other regions. WAZA will provide a mediated forum at which such collaborative action could be discussed.
Advocacy Regional and national issues will, for the most part be best resolved by the appropriate association member. WAZA and other associations may be solicited in an advocacy role as required. At the global level WAZA will synchronize such actions as may be required by the constituency as comprised by the WAZA Network. Further to the requirements of this advocacy role, association members should collect relevant legislation and make it available to WAZA (preferably in electronic form), which will lead to a better service to the WAZA and member associations’ constituencies.
Networking At each annual conference, WAZA shall hold a meeting of association members with a meaningful agenda to further enhance collaboration at national and regional levels. Recognizing the value of the inherent goodwill in attending one another’s annual conferences, association members are encouraged to make every effort to solicit colleague association member attendance. This may imply financial assistance. As a general rule, participants from other associations, unless being sponsored, will be charged the conference fee relevant to the host association’s membership.
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When travelling to another region, executive personnel of WAZA and association members are encouraged to liaise with the local association member executive office. Members of the WAZA Network are encouraged to use the relevant association members’ executive offices for due diligence and bona fide checking of institutions.
Partnership Agreements Association members should consider entering into formalized partnership agreements with one another and should encourage their institution members to do the same with institutions from other regions. WAZA in collaboration with the association members will develop a template for partnerships between institutions. In concluding partnership agreements association members should always prioritize capacity building initiatives and, in particular, should take consideration of the following: • Access to information • Transfer of skills and knowledge • Reciprocal training of zoo and aquarium staff • Staff exchange • Cooperative ex situ management programmes • Animal transfers between their constituencies • Cooperative in situ conservation projects and programmes • Collaborative marketing and fundraising efforts • Joint meetings • Reciprocal membership benefits • Sponsorship The sustainability and effectiveness of such partnership agreements is essential to their success. Therefore, a process for a regular evaluation of the relationship is recommended. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 6 October 2005 – 60th Annual Conference, held at New York City, USA, 2005
WAZA Position on Flight Restraint in Birds RES.60.4 Various methods of flight restraint have long been in use in zoological establishments worldwide as a means of keeping birds in enclosures without netting. The method of flight restraint covers everything from regular feather clipping (with the potential for re-growth to the natural ‘full-winged’ condition); to the pinioning of juveniles, whereby the wingtip is ‘disbudded’; to major surgical intervention such as tendectomy. In the case of pinioning and the diverse forms of surgical intervention there is no realistic prospect of recovery of full, natural flight capability. Whereas there is no well-documented body of scientific evidence, it is clear that there are likely to be significant effects on managed birds (across all taxa which fly). The WAZA Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare therefore requires that pinioning of birds for educational or management purposes should only be undertaken when no other form of restraint is feasible. Because of the ethical, welfare, husbandry, population management and conservation breeding issues, it is the view of WAZA that appropriate scientific and veterinary reviews and investigations into the impacts of flight restraint need to be conducted worldwide, particularly through the regional avian taxon advisory groups with a view of developing a WAZA policy on this issue. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 6 October 2005 – 60th Annual Conference, held at New York City, USA, 2005
Guidelines for Heini Hediger Award RES.60.5 Introduction In 1996, at the 50th Annual Conference of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, then known as IUDZG, guidelines were created which should be followed when recommending someone for the highest award which the organisation can give, the Heini Hediger Award. These guidelines were updated in 2005 and are presented below. •
Unless in extremely unusual cases, only one award may be given in any calendar year.
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• •
The awardee will have demonstrated a high level of commitment to the zoological garden and/or aquarium profession. Such commitment must be able to be demonstrated in the various areas of involvement within the profession. Such areas may include conservation programs, both ex-situ and in-situ; education; scientific research; veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and recreation leading to improvements in these areas.
Method of Nomination Any full members may nominate a person for the Award. Nominations must be in writing or in electronic format and must be in English. Such nominations must be submitted not less than one month before the mid-year meeting of the WAZA Council. The nomination must include a curriculum vitae of the person being nominated and supporting documentation as appropriate. Such documentation may include references and details of persons of whom Council may seek information. All matters must be kept strictly confidential. The President will ensure that the information is made available to all Council Members in sufficient time to allow them to consider the matter. At the mid-year Council Meeting, Council will discuss the matter and will decide upon the appropriate course of action. Council may decide that the candidate is worthy of the award, may decide not to confer the award or may defer the decision to seek further information. In all matters, the Council decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in to. The decision to confer the award will require a two-thirds majority of those Council Members present and will be determined by secret ballot. In the event of there being more than one nominee, Council will undertake an agreed method of deciding between the two candidates. Once it has been decided that an award will be given, arrangements should be made to ensure that it is awarded at the next annual Conference of the WAZA. The name of the awardee is to be kept confidential until the actual presentation is undertaken by the President at the Annual Meeting. At this time, an appropriate citation will be read by the President and the Awardee will be given the opportunity to make an appropriate response. The award may be conferred posthumously, on which occasions it would be appropriate for a member of family or close friend or colleague to accept the Award and make an appropriate response. Council and the Executive Director will call for nominations on a regular basis and try to ensure a good representation from all parts of our constituency. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 6 October 2005 – 60th Annual Conference, held at New York City, USA, 2005
WAZA Resolutions on the Import and Keeping of Elephants RES.60.6 A. Import of Elephants from Thailand to Australia WAZA - The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums notes and supports the importation of elephants, bred at work camps in Thailand, to Australian zoos as part of an agreement between the Thai and Australian governments. This is on the basis of a sustainable Asian elephant conservation breeding program, increased community education and support to in situ-programs of Asian elephant conservation. B. Import and Keeping of elephants in General WAZA strongly supports the importation of elephants to its member institutions when the importation is: a) a part of a sustainable breeding program aimed at assisting with the conservation of elephants in the wild; b) not to the detriment of the long-term viability of the population in the wild; and c) when the elephants will be cared for according to the highest husbandry standards for elephants. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 6 October 2005 – 60th Annual Conference, held at New York City, USA, 2005
WAZA Guidelines for Member in situ Conservation Involvement RES.60.7 47
Introduction WAZA has activated the implementation of the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy (2005). This further emphasises the role zoos and aquariums should play in the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity. To this end, WAZA states that in situ conservation involvement of its constituency is of paramount importance to the modern zoo and aquarium concept. Recognizing that zoo support groups such as Volunteers and Members are important advocates for the activities of zoos and aquariums, WAZA invites zoo supporter groups to participate in the pursuit of zoo and aquarium based in situ conservation activities. Implementation and maintenance The in situ involvement of WAZA members must be in compliance with all applicable national and international legislation. WAZA members shall at all times take cognisance of IUCN Guidelines. This applies in particular to projects involving the release of animals to the wild. WAZA members should focus their conservation involvement within local, national, or regional Biodiversity Action Plans and/or similar species recovery programmes. Where these have not been set up or are not effective, their formation should be initiated, supported or strengthened. The WAZA Conservation Committee is currently working to articulate, more formally, a methodology for field project management. WAZA members should engage themselves in projects or programmes that • are realistic and have clearly achievable goals; • are based on sound scientific and management principles; • have a potential for raising public awareness; • have the potential for attracting sufficient funds to achieve their goals; • are most likely to lead to a self-sustaining conservation outcome. Whenever possible, the in situ involvement of WAZA members should benefit local stakeholders and meet the needs of local communities. WAZA members should be sensitive to cultural value systems in the range countries concerned. WAZA members should take a collaborative approach to in situ conservation involvement. At the very least consultation will take place with: • the relevant range country government authorities, • the relevant IUCN/SSC Specialist Groups, • appropriate non-governmental conservation organisations, in particular those of the range country, and • the relevant national or regional zoo and aquarium associations. To contribute significantly to the long-term conservation of wild populations, WAZA members should prioritize the empowerment of range state conservation professionals. WAZA members should consider setting up training courses for conservation professionals or will lend support to organisations operating such courses. Projects and programmes implemented or supported by WAZA members should: • have an inbuilt, ongoing and independent evaluation component; Information and Communication WAZA members commit to sharing with and disseminating to local communities and other stakeholders information on their in situ involvement, and in particular they will provide at regular intervals data for inclusion into conservation databases established within the WAZA Network. WAZA members commit to disseminating all information relevant to their in situ involvement as widely as possible. WAZA members acknowledge WAZA branding as an added value to their in situ involvement and should make applications for such as appropriate. The projects of Zoos and Aquariums, which are not institutional members of WAZA, may been branded if submitted through their Member Regional Associations.
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Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 6 October 2005 – 60th Annual Conference, held at New York City, USA, 2005
Ethical Guidelines for the Conduct of Research on Animals by Zoos and Aquariums RES.60.8 Background Research in zoos encompasses a wide range of disciplines including: Behaviour, nutrition, ecology, reproductive biology, genetics, veterinary medicine. Different forms of research carried out in the zoo/aquarium or by associated workers in the field, can be broadly categorised as invasive or non-invasive. Non-invasive examples include behavioural observations and the use of waste products for hormonal monitoring. Invasive research includes all that alters an animals’ direct environment, either in captivity or the wild, or which requires the handling of the study animal(s). Zoo biology has often been viewed as the ‘poor cousin’ of conservation biology, however, its potential to elucidate complex biological questions is now being recognised, as demonstrated by the increase of zoo and aquarium related studies in peer-reviewed journals and increasing requests for partnerships by universities. Zoos and aquariums should not lose out on this opportunity to participate in high quality research, published in peer-reviewed journals. By establishing clear standards for the ethical use of animals in research zoos and aquariums can provide the foundations for these aims.
Guidelines Introduction WAZA believes that conservation cannot take place in ignorance. If wild animals and places are to be preserved for future generations then systematic knowledge of individuals, groups and ecosystems is essential to those aims. This document offers guidelines by which individual zoos and aquariums can develop an ethical approach that best reflects the aims of WAZA and individual institutions. These guidelines provide a code of practice for the use of animals in research in captivity and in the wild by zoos and aquariums and/or associated institutions.
Basic Principle Zoos and aquariums must balance the welfare of individuals against the conservation of species or ecosystems when assessing potential projects. The primary aim of the modern zoo and aquarium is one of conservation, and whilst this may be perceived as a ‘greater good’ and acknowledged as such, it does not imply that ethical considerations can be ignored.
Assessment of the Ethics of Research To assess the ethics of research, zoos and aquariums may find it helpful to develop ethical review committees to evaluate proposed research, either undertaken in the organisation, by staff in the field or by staff of other associated institutions. The ethical review process must be open and transparent to all concerned. Consequently it is in the best interests of individual organisations that as wide a variety of disciplines as possible should be represented on this committee. There may also be times when the decision-making process must be open to public scrutiny. Local and regional associations may be able to provide documents to aid in this process such as that produced by the UK Zoos’ Forum.
Legality A pre-requisite of any proposed research is that it must comply with and adhere to all applicable legislation regarding animal welfare, research and the environment, including official codes of practice and international conventions.
Appropriate Research Research carried out in or by Zoos and Aquariums must be • valid, • humane, • justifiable, and • considerate. In the event of research causing pain, injury or distress, research is considered appropriate only if all options have been considered. The "the three R's" of replacement (use of non-sentient alternatives), reduction (use of fewer animals) and refinement (use of less invasive techniques) should be applied.
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Any research involving unreasonable pain must have a clear conservation benefit, whether conducted by staff/associated researchers in the captive setting or in the field. Researchers must have a good working knowledge of their subject area, and thereby know whether the research proposed has been carried out elsewhere, and therefore not required (replacement). They should strive to ensure that the most appropriate methodology and statistical tests are used, which may result in fewer animals being required in the project (reduction), and they must also ensure that they apply the ‘precautionary principle’ in any such research, where if the procedure would cause pain to a human it should be assumed that it will cause pain to an animal (refinement). As zoo/aquarium animals are generally on-show to the visiting public researchers must also give due consideration to the perceptions of the visiting public. There may aspects of project methodology which do not cause undue stress to animals that however, may appear inappropriate to the public, for example obvious identification markings. Well drafted public interpretation may mitigate some of this concern, however the public perception of research should be carefully considered before it is implemented.
Not Appropriate Research The following points are applicable to all studies regardless of discipline and should inform the ethical review process at all times. Unacceptable research includes; • any study which causes lasting pain, injury or distress, either physical or psychological, • any study which causes unreasonable pain with no clear conservation (brief, painful events may be appropriate in some cases), • erroneous research with no clear aims or benefits, • research that is undertaken for human benefit only e.g. commercial or medicinal aims.
benefits
Monitoring Once a research project has been approved it must be monitored throughout its course. This dynamic approach allows for modifications to the project, either to ensure the welfare of individuals or to counter difficulties of research methodology in practice. For research to be of benefit to the welfare and conservation community, accurate and appropriate reporting of findings in appropriate publications is essential.
Euthanasia Euthanasia may be an integral part of the management of animal populations. Research undertaken in conjunction with such action is acceptable. The highest standards, both legal and ethical, must be maintained when euthanasing any individual to ensure its welfare is not jeopardised.
Deceased Animals Zoos and aquariums shall strive to ensure that biological material, whenever possible, is passed to the relevant researchers. In addition, researchers should liaise with zoo and aquarium veterinarians to ensure that opportunities to collect biological materials from living animals during routine procedures are not lost.
Research in Zoos and Aquariums by Third parties Visiting scientists must be bound by the principles set forth in this document in addition to any other ethical guidelines approved by the zoo/aquarium. Whilst a number of zoos/aquariums now employ their own research staff, most research carried out in zoos/aquariums is by third parties from universities, colleges and other academic organisations. This has a number of implications in that the captive facility may have a duty of care to that individual whilst in the facility (different legal standpoints will apply country by country). In addition much of this form of research is undertaken by relatively young students who may have had little contact with potentially dangerous animals. Therefore all visiting researchers must be briefed on the appropriate standards of behaviour required, both in relation to the animals and the zoo/aquarium staff, particularly when in off-show areas. This should also include clear guidelines as to where the responsibilities of the staff and the invited researcher lie. It must also be clear, and agreed by all parties, as to how any information generated by the research is disseminated.
In situ Research Zoos and aquariums carrying out in situ research, should strive to prevent any detrimental effects to conservation areas, other environmentally sensitive areas, or wildlife. They should pay due attention to the IUCN Policy Statement on Research Involving Species at Risk of Extinction, approved by the 27th Meeting of IUCN Council, Gland Switzerland, 14 June 1989 (Annex).
Cooperation with Standard-setting Organisations With a view to adjusting and improving the present Guidelines, the WAZA Executive Office shall liaise with the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science (ICLAS), The International Organisation for animal Health (OIE) and IUCN – The World Conservation Union.
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Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 6 October 2005 – 60th Annual Conference, held at New York City, USA, 2005
WAZA Position Statement on Studbook Data Stewardship RES.60.9 Background Specimen history data may be collated into studbooks for many reasons. However such data are routinely collected from zoos and aquariums for the purpose of supporting the coordinated management of ex situ populations of wildlife species. Where the primary objective is to facilitate the coordinated management of ex situ populations, a studbook is established under the auspices of the regional or global zoo and aquarium association that administers the species management program. Such organisations authorise studbook keepers to collect data on behalf of the association and urge, and in many instances require, their member institutions to contribute data to the studbook. In such cases, institutions contribute data on the understanding that the data are to be used for the collective benefit.
Position Statement WAZA considers that the purpose for which a studbook is established and the basis on which data are provided to the studbook are of relevance to the ownership of the studbook data and the subsequent availability of the studbook dataset in all its formats. Therefore, WAZA considers: • • • •
That all studbooks managed under the auspices of, and on behalf of, a recognised studbook authority (this being WAZA or a WAZA member association) are developed for the collective benefit; That the data in such studbooks are held under the stewardship of the studbook authority; That, for such studbooks, the studbook keeper is the curator of the data and neither the studbook keeper nor the institution at which that person is employed is the owner of the dataset; That the studbook dataset should be made available to the zoo and aquarium community in the most useful and compatible format, this usually being as a database in electronic form (e.g. a SPARKS dataset).
Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 6 October 2005 – 60th Annual Conference, held at New York City, USA, 2005.
WAZA Guidelines on the Use of Transponders for Animal Identification RES.60.10 RECOGNISING the wide use of coded-microchip implants for the individual identification of animals; RECOGNISING the potential of this method of marking to assist with the maintenance of accurate animal records for specimens, in particular those moved between institutions; TAKING NOTE of CITES Resolution Conf. 8.13 (Rev.) on the “Use of coded-microchip implants for marking live animals in trade“; CONCERNED that any such method employed to identify live animals be standardised in its application; CONSIDERING that the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has adopted the standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785; AWARE that the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group has undertaken a review of the application of coded-microchip implants;
THE WORLD ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS RECOMMENDS that: a) zoos and aquariums, where possible and appropriate, without excluding the use of other methods, adopt the use of ISO compliant implantable transponders bearing permanent, non-programmable, unalterable and permanently unique codes for the identification of live animals; b) microchip transponders be implanted where consistent with the well-being of the specimens concerned; and
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c) d) e)
the location of implanted transponders in each animal be standardized according to the advice from the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group; and zoos and aquariums not re-use transponders, in particular where the animals concerned are, or are likely to be, recorded in the International Species Information System data base; and member associations encourage their member institutions to follow WAZA recommendations a) – d) above; and
DIRECTS: f) the WAZA Executive Office to liaise with the CITES Animals Committee with regard to CITES requirements with respect to transponder use. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 6 October 2005 – 60th Annual Conference, held at New York City, USA, 2005.
WAZA Guidelines on Access and Benefit Sharing RES.61.1 Background The Convention on Biological Diversity In 1992, a meeting of world leaders took place at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. An historic set of agreements was signed at the "Earth Summit", including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the first global agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity6. Since then more than 187 countries and the European Union have ratified the agreement. The CBD defines biological diversity as "the variability among living organisms from all sources, ... including diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems". It covers all ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. It affects all aspects of the work of zoos and aquariums. In particular it governs the way genetic resources are exchanged and used, and introduces obligations to obtain prior informed consent and share benefits arising from their use. "Genetic resources" means genetic material of actual or potential value. "Genetic material" means any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing functional units of heredity. The CBD links traditional conservation efforts to the economic goal of using biological resources sustainably. It sets principles for the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, notably those destined for commercial use. It also covers the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology, addressing technology development and transfer, benefit-sharing and biosafety. Importantly, the CBD is legally binding; countries that join it are obliged to implement its provisions. The CBD also offers decision-makers guidance based on the precautionary principle that where there is a threat of significant reduction or loss of biological diversity, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to avoid or minimize such a threat. It should be noted that all elements of the implementation of the CBD are predicated by the precautionary principle. The CBD has three main goals: 1. The conservation of biodiversity, 2. Sustainable use of the components of biodiversity, and 3. Sharing the benefits arising from the commercial and other utilization of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way (Access and Benefit Sharing -- ABS)
The Bonn Guidelines To provide further guidance on how to achieve the third objective of the CBD, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention adopted, in 2002, the Bonn Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of the Benefits Arising out of Their Utilization7. These guidelines aim at making available a transparent framework to facilitate access to genetic resources and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits. They include two substantively different types of guidance: first to governments seeking to establish national legislation and regulatory or policy frameworks to address ABS; and, second to private users seeking access to genetic resources, and other stakeholders involved as providers of or users of genetic resources.
Management Tools and Codes of Practice In order to assist industries and the scientific community in implementing the CBD and the Bonn Guidelines reference tools have been developed at national levels. For instance, a tool provided by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs is available on the web8, a Code of good practice for academic research and genetic resources has been developed by the Swiss Academy of Sciences9. The full text of the CBD can be found at http://www.biodiv.org/convention/articles.asp http://www.biodiv.org/programmes/socio-eco/benefit/bonn.asp 8 http://www.iisd.org/pdf/2005/standards_abs_mt_user_guide.pdf. Hard copies in English and Spanish available from: International Institute for 6 7
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Voluntary approaches have also been developed by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (CBGI), to help botanical gardens implement the access and benefit-sharing aspects of the CBD10. The CBGI’s Principles on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing were particularly helpful when drafting this document, which is being provided to WAZA Members to create awareness of the requirements and implications of the CBD and makes recommendations as to address Access and Benefit Sharing issues.
How will CBD/ABS affect zoos and aquariums? The provisions of the CBD have, to date, had little real impact on zoos and aquariums. However, this is likely to change, as the Parties to the Convention are now developing or reviewing their national legislation. WAZA members should, therefore, become prepared as each signatory country is expected and obliged to prepare national strategies to plan future biodiversity conservation. The CBD will certainly offer WAZA Members new opportunities to play a significant role in biodiversity conservation activities in line with then World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy, such as research, in situ conservation, training, monitoring, advocacy, communication, education and public awareness, and cooperation. The CBD affirms the sovereign rights of states over their genetic resources, a right that has not previously been recognized legally or subject to such international legislation. ABS results in new requirements for zoos and aquariums. These will apply to the collection from the wild and removal from range states of genetic resources and all derivations thereof. It should be noted that ABS requirements apply also to in situ research and the knowledge gained there from. Article 15 of the CBD lays down the principle that access to genetic resources remains with national governments and therefore is subject to national legislation. The CBD leaves it thus up to individual national governments to decide how it is to be implemented. Based on national interpretation ABS requirements may also apply to circumstances such as genetic resources collected prior to the entry into force of CBD and to the latter transfer of such animals between institutions. It should also be noted that the term “access� has not yet been officially defined. Thus its meaning depends on national interpretation and may involve activities such as: entering a location where genetic resources are found; simple surveying activities, acquisition of genetic resources for scientific, educational, conservation breeding or other purposes. Some of the processes to be introduced by national governments may initially seem unfamiliar and involve additional costs. However, in many cases the elements required by the ABS system will be integrated into existing formalities that must be fulfilled when exporting live animals, gametes or other genetic resources, or when carrying out research in foreign countries.
Core Commitments Access to genetic resources by zoos and aquariums is subject to certain core commitments as enumerated in the following section.
1. Prior informed consent (PIC) This refers to the advance solicitation of all relevant permissions pertaining to the genetic resource. Prior informed consent must be obtained in writing from the competent government authority, and from the relevant stakeholders, including local communities and indigenous peoples. All negotiations in this regards must be ethically concluded and transparent. Where access is obtained from an ex situ collection, including and through intermediaries, all documentation pertaining to transfer, including the appropriate PIC, must be available at all times. All PIC should include an unambiguous statement of intended use.
2. Mutually agreed terms (MAT) MAT are negotiated in good faith by both users and providers, respecting the terms and understandings of prior informed consent, allowing benefits to flow to the owners, managers or custodians of the genetic resource, and facilitating access.
3. Benefit sharing A fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge must be provided to support the compliance with the three objectives of the CBD. All benefits are shared fairly and equitably and are implemented in good faith with all those who have been identified as providers. Sustainable Development, 161 Portage Avenue East, 6th Floor, Winnipeg, Canada R3B OY4 9 Biber-Klemm, S. & S. Martinez (2006) Access and Benefit Sharing - Good practice for academic research and genetic resources. Published by Swiss Academy of Sciences, Schwarztorstrasse 91, CH-3007 Berne, Switzerland 10 see http://www.bgci.org/abs/abs_policy/
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Examples of benefit sharing include: • Access to and transfer of technology that is relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity or makes use of genetic resources and does not cause significant damage to the environment. • Exchange of information relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
4. Conservation and sustainable use Ex situ breeding of genetic resources must be conducted in a taxonomically discrete manner (e.g. no hybridization) that maintains the genetic variation of the population or diversity of the gene pool. Knowledge about biodiversity that arises from access to a genetic resource is shared in a manner that supports and enhances conservation management.
5. Traditional knowledge Fair and reasonable effort must be made to preserve, respect and maintain a traditional knowledge associated with the genetic resources that are accessed. Adequate compensation and sharing of benefits are provided when traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources is accessed and used.
6. Community participation Indigenous and local communities that are owners, managers or custodians of genetic resources, are relevant stakeholders, must be involved in decision-making on access and participate directly in benefits derived from collection and use of genetics resources.
7. Information and transparency Information related to the genetic resources under consideration, including intended use, is shared in a transparent and open manner.
WAZA Guidelines on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing WAZA Members should • honour the letter and spirit of the CBD and national legislation relating to access and benefit-sharing, including those relating to traditional knowledge; • ensure that all relevant personnel is familiar with the CBD11 and understand its provisions and implications; • publicise the concept of access and benefit-sharing to their visitors and supporters; • provide a full explanation of how the genetic resources will be acquired and used in order to obtain prior informed consent; • obtain prior informed consent from the government of the country of origin and any other relevant stakeholders, according to applicable law and best practice when acquiring genetic resources from the wild or from other collections; • evaluate available documentation and, where necessary, take appropriate steps to ensure that the genetic resources were acquired in accordance with applicable law and best practice; • use and supply genetic resources and their derivatives on terms and conditions consistent with those under which they were acquired; • acquire, and dispose of, genetic resources using written agreements, where required by applicable law and best practice, setting out the terms and conditions under which the genetic resources may be acquired, used and disposed of, and resulting benefits shared; • share fairly and equitably with the country of origin and other stakeholders, the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and their derivatives including non-monetary and monetary benefits; • share benefits arising from the use of genetic resources acquired prior to the entry into force of the CBD, as far as possible, in the same manner as for those acquired thereafter. In order to comply with these Guidelines, WAZA Members should: • record the terms and conditions under which genetic resources are acquired; • track and audit the use in the participating institution and benefits arising from that use; and • record disposal to third parties, including the terms and conditions. In terms of best practice, WAZA Members are encouraged to prepare, adopt and communicate an institutional policy setting out how they will implement these Principles. WAZA Members are urged to develop and strengthen partnerships with institutions in other countries, particularly those that are rich in biodiversity but poor in resources and assist them in all ways possible to meet their challenges and obligations in implementing the CBD.
11
http://www.biodiv.org/convention/articles.asp
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Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 31 August 2006 – 61st Annual Conference, held at Leipzig, Germany, August 27-31, 2006
WAZA Resolution on the Amphibian Ark RES.61.2 Background Recognizing that addressing the amphibian extinction crisis represents one of the greatest species conservation challenges in the history of humanity, WAZA, at its 2005 annual Conference in New York City, passed a resolution committing itself and urging its members to address this crisis. It also pledged itself to liaise with IUCN and CBSG to facilitate the first phase of involvement. From this, WAZA and CBSG have been working in partnership with the Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) to implement components of the IUCN Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP). This is in the context of a developing an Amphibian Survival Alliance – a broad high-level stakeholder group representing both in situ and ex situ interests. The ACAP identified to the world that hundreds of species would become extinct without immediate ex situ management. This is seen as a ‘stopgap’ component of an integrated conservation strategy unfolding over a number of years. The IUCN considers that “All Critically Endangered and Extinct in the Wild taxa should be subject to ex situ management to ensure recovery of wild populations.” (IUCN, 2002) Comparable calls to action are included in the Global Amphibian Assessment and other IUCN documents.
Resolution on the Amphibian Ark AWARE that more than 120 amphibian species have likely become extinct since 1980, and that about one third of the extant 6000 species are threatened with extinction; RECOGNIZING that addressing the amphibian extinction crisis represents one of the greatest species conservation challenges in the history of humanity; CONSCIOUS of IUCN – The World Conservation Union’s recommendation that all Critically Endangered and Extinct in the Wild taxa should be subject to ex situ management to ensure recovery of wild populations; ADOPTING the values of maximum cooperation, sharing of resources and expertise, and an imperative for prompt action; THE WORLD ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS: AGREES to join with CBSG and ASG to form, support, and develop an Amphibian Ark initiative to fulfil the ex situ components of the IUCN Amphibian Conservation Action Plan. The Amphibian Ark mission is the management of amphibian taxa ex situ to ensure long-term survival in nature. There is a presumption in favour of in-country conservation activities. The remit is to encourage, facilitate and help fund practical delivery of ex situ programmes through partnerships, involving national governments, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders including the private sector. CALLS upon all of its members and partners to support and participate in this initiative in whatever way they can. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 31 August 2006 – 61st Annual Conference, held at Leipzig, Germany, August 27-31, 2006. Edited by the WAZA Executive Office.
WAZA Recommendations on Avian Influenza RES.61.3 Background Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an extremely contagious viral disease of domestic birds that can affect all species of birds. It is also known to have infected a range of wild and domestic species of mammals (including civets, ferret, beech marten, domestic cat, clouded leopard, leopard, tiger) and humans, and has experimentally been transmitted to mice, rats, rabbits and crab-eating macaques. The disease is caused by the Influenza A virus (Family Orthomyxoviridae), which can be divided into subtypes on the basis of distinct haemagglutinin antigens (H1–H16) and neuraminidase antigens (N1–N9). It is a notifiable disease under the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the International Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), thus notifiable by law in the 167 Member Countries of the OIE. The Code defines notifiable avian influenza as an infection of poultry (i.e. not of wild birds!) caused by any influenza A virus of the H5 or H7 subtypes or by any AI virus with an intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) greater than 1.2 (or as an alternative at least 75% mortality). Notifiable avian influenza can be divided into highly pathogenic and low pathogenic notifiable avian influenza. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) may result in a mortality rate of 100%
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within a poultry flock. These viruses have been restricted to subtypes H5 and H7, although not all viruses of these subtypes cause HPAI. All other viruses cause a much milder low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) consisting primarily of mild respiratory disease and egg production problems in laying birds, or being completely inapparent. From 1959 to 1998, only 24 distinct outbreaks of HPAI from domestic poultry have been reported. The total number of birds involved in all outbreaks over this 40-year period was approximately 23 million. But the years 1999-2004 have witnessed six outbreaks that resulted in a considerable socio-economic impact (e.g. 1999/2000 in Italy, 2003 in the Netherlands and in Germany) and the unprecedented outbreak currently affecting several Asian countries. The USA, Canada, Chile and some African countries have also recently experienced HPAI disease outbreaks. From 1999-2004 over 200 million domestic birds have been affected by the disease. With the exception of some countries, where the disease in domestic poultry is not yet under control, a rigorous stamping out policy was applied by national authorities. This strategy included in general the rapid culling of infected poultry and those suspected of being infected together with the implementation of movement restrictions for live poultry and poultry products, increased monitoring and biosecurity measures. HPAI is considered to have been spread between countries by a number of different known vectors, including through the movement of avian livestock and bird by-products, legal and illegal trade in birds, equipment associated with these respective industries, movement of people, and migration of waterbirds. The genetic pool for AI viruses is primarily in the aquatic birds responsible for the perpetuation of these viruses in nature. It still is a matter of debate whether HPAI viruses are normally present in wild bird populations, or whether they arise only as a result of mutation after H5 or H7 LPAI viruses have been introduced to poultry from wild birds. The unusual situation of endemicity which is present in some Asian countries suggests a spill over of HPAI of the H5N1 subtype to the wild bird population. This situation has never occurred in the past, and therefore the consequences of this epidemiological situation are unpredictable. Until now, the limited number of known human infections with H5N1 virus has been through close contact with, or possibly by consumption of, infected poultry and none through contact with wild birds. If however the virus were to change its characteristics and to spread between humans, the result could be a pandemic with millions of victims. However, nobody can predict whether such changes will happen. Although, traditionally, legislation of most countries did not address avian influenza in wild birds, veterinary services, noting the pandemic potential of the H5N1 strain, have started monitoring the disease in wild birds and implementing protection measures also in the case of the presence of the virus in other species than farmed poultry. In Europe the legal basis for the new approach is Council Directive 2005/94/EC of 20 December 2005 on Community measures for the control of avian influenza, which repealed the previous Directive 92/40/EEC. Current approaches to control the disease may refer to both HPAI and LPAI infections and include: surveillance of bird species other than domestic poultry; early detection of possible spread of avian influenza to mammals; notification of surveillance measures and outbreaks; emergency measures applicable to holdings where outbreaks are suspected; killing of all poultry and other captive birds, disposal of carcases and eggs, and disinfection of the premises under official supervision, in holdings where outbreaks are confirmed; establishment of protection, surveillance and further restricted zones around affected holdings. Routine vaccination, although technically possible and effective, continues to be prohibited in many countries. Such countries may, however, have provisions for emergency vaccinations, grant certain derogations, or introduce preventive vaccinations on the basis of a risk assessment. Recognising that avian influenza has always occurred, and will continue to occur, in wild birds (although the incidence is usually very low), that WHO, FAO and OIE have concluded that attempts to eliminate HPAI in wild bird populations through lethal responses such as culling are not feasible and may exacerbate the problem by causing further dispersion of infected birds, that it is technically impossible to keep wild birds out of zoological institutions, and that zoological institutions need to keep birds of wild species in order to play their important role in conservation communication, education and public awareness (as stressed by resolutions of the Conferences of the Parties of the Ramsar Convention and Convention on Migratory Species), legislation tends to be somewhat more flexible with regard to zoos than legislation relating to other highly contagious diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever and so on. It may thus be possible for a zoo to be granted certain derogations (e.g. to be allowed to vaccinate preventively, or not have to kill the entire collection in the case of an outbreak at or near the zoo) under specified conditions. These conditions may include, among other things, restrictions of the transfer of vaccinated birds to other holdings.
References: • • • •
Convention on Migratory Species (2005). Res. 8.27 Migratory Species and Highly Pathogenic Avain Influenza, adopted at Eighth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP 8), 20 - 25 November 2005, UNEP Headquarters Gigiri, Nairobi. nd European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (2004) Transmissible Diseases Handbook, 2 edition. Houten NL. European Food Safety Authority – AHAW (2005). Scientific Report - Animal health and welfare aspects of Avian Influenza. Annex to the EFSA Journal (2005) 266, 1-21. European Union (2005) Commission Decision 2005/731/EC of 17 October 2005 laying down additional requirements for the surveillance of avian influenza in wild birds. OJ L 27/93 of 20.10.2005
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• •
European Union (2006) Council Directive 2005/94/EC of 20 December 2005 on Community measures for the control of avian influenza and repealing Directive 92/40/EEC. OJ L10/16 of 14.1.2006 th OIE (2005) Terrestrial Animal Health Code. 14 edition. Paris.
Resolution on Avian Influenza RECOGNIZING the potential risk of transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) from wild birds, in particular waterfowl, to birds kept in zoological institutions; MINDFUL that the zoos’ role in environmental education may require to exhibit birds under conditions, contact with wild birds cannot effectively be excluded; CONCERNED about the impact an outbreak of HPAI in or near a zoological institution could have on the well-being of the birds in the collection, the functioning of conservation breeding programmes and the economy of the institution affected; AWARE that legislation to control HPAI may provide for derogations or special conditions applicable to zoological institutions; CONVINCED that, in spite of the limited knowledge about the efficacy and safety of current vaccines in nondomesticated species, appropriate preventive vaccination has more advantages than disadvantages, and that vaccination with an inactivated vaccine should be applied where allowed and appropriate to protect zoo birds likely to enter into contact with possibly HPAI infected wild birds; THE WORLD ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS RECOMMENDS: ASSOCIATION MEMBERS should • maintain a regular dialogue with the national veterinary services of their respective countries with a view of providing input into the legislation process and exploring the possibility of regulations being applied to zoological institutions that will take into account the special situation under which these institutions have to operate12; • inform their constituencies of current regulations and any existing derogations for zoological institutions; • advise their constituencies to head for common approaches and to coordinate such approaches as appropriate. INSTITUTION MEMBERS should • assume that all bird species are susceptible to HPAI and not only those that may be addressed by current legislation; • maintain a regular dialogue with the veterinary authority responsible for supervising the institution; • implement, and have approved by the competent veterinary authority, a health surveillance plan covering the entire collection; • apply strict quarantine measures when introducing birds into the collection, even in the event of these birds not being imported from a third country; • explore the possibility of the institution being subdivided into different compartments for the purpose of animal health measures; • apply biosecurity measures as appropriate within the institution; • take special precautions to avoid the spreading of any infection from one compartment to another, in case the institution has been subdivided; • develop and have agreed by the competent veterinary authority contingency plans to be implemented in the event of a HPAI outbreak in or in the neighbourhood of the institution; • explore the possibility and assess the advantages and disadvantages of vaccinating those birds in their collection that are likely to come into close contact with wild birds, in particular waterfowl; • be mindful within regions with a recognised HPAI outbreak not to use poultry or fresh poultry products of unknown origin as feed for carnivores; • reflect that all carnivore species as well as other mammalian groups such as insectivores, suidae, primates etc. are likely to be susceptible to HPAI. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 31 August 2006 – 61st Annual Conference, held at Leipzig, Germany, August 27-31, 2006
WAZA Resolution on Climate Change RES.61.4 Background 12
EAZA should, in collaboration with EAZWV act accordingly with regard to the European Commission.
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IUCN – The World Conservation Union states that global climate change is one of the most pressing concerns of the 21st century. Warming temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, increased extreme events and sea level rise are already being observed and will have serious implications for economies, society and the environment. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit future climate change and improving the capacity of the world’s biodiversity and poorest communities to adapt to its inevitable impacts are the two central challenges. It is expected that the number of species requiring conservation help will increase dramatically as the effects of climate change are understood with greater clarity and focus. There are three distinct and focused areas of work where it is believed that the zoo and aquarium community is not currently incorporating the likely effects of climate change sufficiently into its thinking and activities: 1. Species Risk Assessment Climate change dynamics must be more effectively incorporated into conservation risk assessment processes, including modeling tools and workshop methodology. 2. Zoo and Regional Collection Planning Taxon advisory groups need to ensure that taxa threatened by predicted climate change impacts are given enhanced consideration in collection planning reviews at institutional and regional levels. 3. Zoo Community Commitment to Climate Change Mitigation. The global zoo and aquarium community should assume a leadership role, through exemplary daily operational activities, in environmental sustainability, particularly in achieving a sustainable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The global zoo and aquarium community should also initiate and sustain a long-term, worldwide education campaign that focuses on issues of environmental sustainability, in particular Climate Change.
Resolution on Climate Change RECOGNIZING the severity of the threats from climate change facing species, habitats and biomes around the world; RESPONDING to a call for action formulated by the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group of IUCN – The World Conservation Union at its Annual Meeting in Halle, 24 – 27 August 2006; THE WORLD ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS: COMMITS significantly to increase the quantity and quality of its actions to reduce global warming; ALSO COMMITS to a long-term, WAZA-led campaign to reduce the global greenhouse gas emissions generated by zoo and aquarium operations, and significantly to increase awareness of the threats to biodiversity from global warming. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 31 August 2006 – 61st Annual Conference, held at Leipzig, Germany, August 27-31, 2006. Edited by the WAZAQ Executive Office.
WAZA Resolution on Improving Standards in Zoos RES.62.2 Background It is one of the visions of the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy that all zoos and aquariums will follow ethical principles and maintain the highest standards of animal welfare in order to establish and sustain viable populations of healthy animals for conservation purposes and to convey credible conservation messages to the public. The World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy recommends that all zoos and aquariums seek continually to improve their management techniques and the profession’s current practices, based on evolving knowledge and sensibilities, and it recommends also that all zoo and aquarium associations have their own ethical codes and animal welfare policies, and that the associations ensure that their members comply with them. It is a fact, however, that there are still a large number of establishments applying “substandard practices”, i.e. “not acceptable practices”, for reasons like lack of knowledge and know how, no will and commitment, lack of finances, or having been affected by forces beyond their control. Many of these institutions do not belong to the WAZA Network. THE WAZA Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee has therefore set up a working group with the mandate to look into ways and means how WAZA should deal with complaints about such institutions, and to make recommendations as to how the situation in such institutions could be improved. The following Resolution is the first output of this working group.
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Resolution on Improving Standards in Zoos RECOGNIZING that there is no generally accepted definition of the term “zoo” and therefore any facility keeping animals accessible to the public can and does call itself “zoo” regardless of the standard of general keeping conditions, management, educative efforts, quality of employees, scientific background, institutional goals etc.; CONSCIOUS that WAZA itself and its association members will be credible conservation organizations only if WAZA member institutions strive to become centres of conservation; CONVINCED that the existence of so called “substandard zoos” is a disturbing factor in this process and development because it leads to: • Negative conservation impact on the ex situ population through substandard keeping conditions (poor survival rate; loss of potential genetic material; frequent perceived need for re-stocking); • Negative impact on wild (the in situ) populations (indiscriminate capture depletes wild populations; indiscriminate release of over-bred surplus animals damages wild populations; disturbance of wild population behaviour leads to stress, panic and fatal accidents; disturbance of wild population behaviour leads to short and long-lasting effect on social behaviour and disturbance of wild population dynamics); • Negative impact on wild habitats (indiscriminate capture and/or poorly researched release of surplus animals can impact habitat; irresponsible releases can wreck a niche or fragile ecosystem) • Negative impact on visitor education (difficult to convey an effective conservation message in a substandard zoo; a bad zoo conveys unfortunate subliminal messages such as “wildlife is cheap”, “authorities don’t seem to care therefore wildlife is plentiful”; wild animals are pathetic and not valued) • Negative impact on the zoo industry image (“zoo” is the same word applied to a broad range of institutions of varying quality; animal rights/anti-zoo/radical animal welfare groups do not differentiate between “zoos”; the organized zoo community is lumped with the “other” zoo world by most of the public; the best zoos share the same “bed” -- public and the press -- with the worst zoos. • Negative impact on animal welfare (unsuitable living environments for animals; lack of husbandry and veterinary care and expertise such as sanitation, nutrition, preventative medicine, etc.; visitor misbehaviour such as feeding, teasing, violence, stress, etc.) • Negative impact on safety for the animals, public and staff (inadequate barriers and enclosures; inadequate sanitation which could cause the spread of diseases; public liability) THE WORLD ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS: ADOPTS the following Policy Statement: We as a community of organized zoos and aquariums have a moral, ethical and professional responsibility to engage with needy institutions in order to help them improve their standards, achieve conservation goals, and benefit the animals they hold. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 31 August 2006 – 61st Annual Conference, held at Leipzig, Germany, August 27-31, 2006
Gharial Resolution RES.62.1 Background As emphasized at the 2006 IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) Meeting in Montélimar, the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is again very close to extinction. There are only about 200 adults remaining in the wild, reproduction is catastrophically low, and the situation in gharial reserves is such that the survival of gharials cannot be ensured. The gharial is without any doubt the most endangered big animal of Indian subcontinent, 20-times more than tiger. And it is overlooked! Still it is widely supposed that gharial is safe thanks to well the known FAO/Indian Government Project Crocodile launched more than thirty years ago. So, it is urgent to change this persistent but wrong perception. The gharial is both Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE species), i.e. it should be a top priority for conservation. One of the necessary actions would be to attract public attention to the gharial extinction crisis. Also an alarm should be sent to all seriously interested in (and dealing with) biodiversity conservation. Regrettably, there is not much political will in the higher echelons of the Indian government to deal with gharial conservation, and under these circumstances a wide and serious international interest showing that the world is not indifferent regarding the fate of the most unique of crocodilians would be most helpful. Due to its reputation, the WAZA could help very much in this case, and a „WAZA Resolution on the Gharial Extinction Crisis“ may contribute very significantly to efforts to save the species. In particular, a WAZA Gharial Resolution would
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a) alert the global zoo-community and draw its attention to the ongoing conservation catastrophe concerning the most unique of all crocodiles; b) provide a valuable document reflecting the opinion of highly respected global organization with strong conservation mission (WAZA designates itself as „United for Conservation“) and worldwide influence; c) facilitate efforts to encourage WAZA members to support gharial conservation in any way.
WAZA Resolution on the Gharial Extinction Crisis RES.62.1 RECOGNIZING that the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), being the most unique crocodilian species of extraordinary conservation value, represents an irreplaceable heritage of global importance; AWARE that the gharial has become by far the rarest and most endangered large animal species of South Asia; COMMENDING the pioneering efforts of various institutions and individuals (IUCN, GMTF, MCBT, etc) in assessing the status of the species and the scale of its extinction process; CONCERNED, however, that past conservation efforts to save the gharial seem to have failed to ensure its longterm survival and that the gharial faces an immediate extinction crisis in its last refuges in India and Nepal; NOTING that the factors behind the projected extinction are known, but this knowledge is not sufficiently reflected in real gharial conservation at present; EMPHASIZING that gharial is a flagship species for conservation for the whole of its disappearing riverine habitat and associate wild community including a number of other critically endangered species like river dolphins or turtles; CONVINCED that only an immediate complex conservation action in gharial range countries with wide international perception, support and co-ordination can reverse the imminent extinction of the species; CONVINCED that WAZA with its strong conservation mission should not be indifferent to the gharial´s fate and should not avoid efforts to prevent its extinction. THE WORLD ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS: • • • • • •
RECOGNIZES the significance and urgency of the gharial´s ongoing extinction spiral; RECOGNIZES that the world zoo-community has significant potential to draw wide public attention to the gharial extinction crisis and accelerate and facilitate conservation efforts; RECOGNIZES that its members have skills and abilities to link their conservation mission and ex situ experience with in situ conservation, in accordance with that of the WZACS; URGES its members, both associations and individual institutions, to support conservation efforts to ensure the future survival of gharial. This may include spreading alarm on the plight of the gharial, financial and material support for gharial conservation, direct co-operation with in situ projects. COMMITS itself to encourage its members to contribute; WILL LIAISE and COLLABORATE with the relevant bodies established by IUCN and its partners to confront the ongoing extinction of gharial.
Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 30 August 2007 – 62st Annual Conference, held at Budapest, Hungary, August 26-30, 2007
WAZA Guidelines for Improving Standards in Zoos RES.62.2 Background The 60th WAZA Annual Conference encouraged Associations to develop and implement accreditation systems or other peer-reviewed means for ensuring a high standard of animal keeping, in particular for those species managed by cooperative ex situ breeding programmes (COM.60.3). A Drafting Group consisting of Dave Morgan, Rosamira Guillen, Kris Vehrs, Sally Walker, Olivia Walter and Thomas Althaus was formed after the 60th Annual Conference and was given the following mandate: a) To develop ideas, how WAZA should deal with so called “substandard zoos” b) To provide guidance to regional associations on how to deal with the issue c) To clarify the tasks of WAZA and regional Associations in this issue. The Drafting Group met in April 2006 in Berne (Switzerland) and prepared a document on this issue for the 61st WAZA Annual Conference. On the basis of this document, WAZA, at its 61st Annual conference, adopted the “WAZA
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Resolution on Improving Standards in Zoos” [COM.61.10 (rev.1)] and gave the Drafting Group a new follow-up mandate: 1. Based on the WAZA Resolution COM.61.10 (rev. 1) to propose an Action Plan on how Associations and individual institutions could assist in improving "substandard zoos". 2. To review current WAZA complaint procedures and to propose modifications if necessary. 3. To develop an assessment form to differentiate a "substandard zoo". 4. To develop monitoring guidelines. The Drafting Group met again in April 2007 in Karlsruhe (Germany) and continued its work following strictly the instructions contained in the mandate. However the Drafting Group decided that the following terms needed to be changed: The term "substandard zoo(s)" (mandate no. 1) was replaced with the term "zoos in need of improvement" and the term "assessment form" (mandate no. 3) was replaced by the term "Assessment Tool". The result of the work is submitted to the 62nd WAZA Annual Conference in form of the attached document “Guidelines for improving Standards in Zoos”. This document contains four chapters according to the four points in the mandate, as well as an Appendix I (Definitions) and an Appendix II (Complaint Procedure Questionnaire). Appendix I contains the definitions valid for this document, in particular a definition of "zoo" (including among others aquariums), a definition of 13 elements of "Best Practice in Zoos" and - following from this - a definition of what is to be considered as "zoos in need of improvement". The term “institution” refers to WAZA members. Point 1 is the "Action Plan on How Associations and Individual Institutions Could Assist Zoos in Need of Improvement". Here, ideas and material from previous work and documents have been taken up. For zoos in need of improvement wanting help (or asking for help) more general ways of assistance but also specific short-term and longterm specific types of help are defined. For point 2 in the absence of a formal documented complaint procedure a new complaint procedure was developed that differentiates whether the complaint concerns either a WAZA-member or a non-WAZA member but member of a WAZA Member Association, or a non-WAZA member and not a member of a WAZA Association (non-affiliated). A core element in this complaint procedure is the "Complaint Procedure Questionnaire" contained in Appendix II of the document. The idea is that this questionnaire would be used to test the seriousness of the complainant and give an idea of the context of the complaint and the background and knowledge of the complainant. In addition such a procedure would allow to gather specific data to document complaints. As concerns point 3, an Assessment Tool to identify zoos in need of improvement was developed. This Assessment Tool has several functions: It allows a systematic assessment of zoos (not only zoos in need of improvement). It allows however to differentiate between zoos in need of improvement and others and makes possible to establish ways and means how a zoo in need of improvement could be assisted in order to raise its standard: Points and questions where compliance is fundamental to zoo operation are identified on the Tool. The Tool may however also assist a zoo that is basically not a "zoo in need of improvement" to evaluate its own situation and define areas where there is still room for improvement in the direction to the so called "Best practice". Thus this Assessment Tool is not a marking system that leads one to a pass/fail outcome and therefore cannot exclude anybody. It allows equal opportunity for the identification of strengths as for weaknesses. In this regard, it is a true "assessment" as opposed to being a yes/no standard. The tool should be used to guide and direct rather than being seen as an examination that you have to pass. The only outcome that should be generated from this tool would be a list of recommendations. The Assessment Tool is also an instrument for further mentoring. Therefore specific “mentoring guidelines”, as asked for in mandate point 4, are not necessary. The Assessment Tool is the basis from which a suitable and appropriate mentoring plan can be developed. The Tool highlights areas which need improvement and future plans can focus on these. While mentoring guidelines are not specified, however a mentoring process is defined. At a closer look this mentoring process has close links to point 1; after all it also deals with organizing, providing and giving assistance.
GUIDELINES FOR IMPROVING STANDARDS IN ZOOS 1) ACTION PLAN ON HOW ASSOCIATIONS AND INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS COULD ASSIST ZOOS IN NEED OF IMPROVEMENT 61
A. If a zoo wants help, an Association or individual institution can: • • • • • •
Provide assistance with the use of the Assessment Tool and subsequent report (help should be appropriate to the needs of the zoo) Establish a brother/sister relationship (help should be appropriate to the needs of the zoo) Offer training/mentoring/consultation Work with the relevant authorities * Provide basic information such as WZACS, the Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare and other available and appropriate management guidelines Look for/organize help from outside the region **
*
The WAZA Office can provide expertise on zoo and aquarium legislation, including which WAZA members to ask for assistance in their region.
**
For example, when institutions send people overseas for field conservation work, they should visit the local zoo and offer assistance and – if wanted and appropriate - provide general advice.
B. Specific types of help: Short-term Assistance for Zoos in Need of Improvement • One-off capacity building • One-off facility improvement • One-off veterinary assistance • One-off personnel provision • One-off material supply • One-off engagement with licensing authorities • Temporary housing of animals • Emergency relief • Monetary support • General skills transfer Long-term Assistance for Zoos in Need of Improvement • Capacity building • Skills transfer • Mentoring or partnership relationship • Engaging licensing authority
2) FORMAL WAZA COMPLAINT PROCEDURE When WAZA receives a complaint: 1) Concerning a WAZA member • WAZA Office acknowledges receipt of the complaint and sends a questionnaire (Appendix II) to the complainant • If a response to the questionnaire is received, then the WAZA Office sends the original complaint and copy of the filled in questionnaire to the CEO of the institution concerned • WAZA Office notifies complainant that the complaint has been forwarded to the CEO of the institution concerned and/or to the WAZA’s Welfare and Ethics Committee and the relevant regional or national Association • WAZA Office requests that the CEO responds directly to the complainant and copies WAZA Office in all ensuing correspondence. 2 ) Concerning a non-WAZA member but member of a WAZA Member Association • WAZA Office acknowledges receipt of the complaint and notifies the complainant that the institution is not a member of WAZA and that the complaint will be forwarded to the relevant national or regional Association 3) Concerning a non-WAZA member and not a member of a WAZA Association (non-affiliated) • WAZA Office acknowledges receipt of the complaint and notifies the complainant that the institution is not a member of WAZA or a WAZA Member Association and refers the complainant to the relevant authorities • Alternatively, if the WAZA Office determines there is sufficient evidence of an ongoing serious animal welfare problem, it may request a filled in questionnaire (Appendix II) and take further action
3) ASSESSMENT TOOL TO IDENTIFY ZOOS IN NEED OF IMPROVEMENT The Assessment Tool assists WAZA members in pursuing the following WAZA policy statement: “We as a community of organised zoos, have a moral, ethical and professional responsibility to engage with needy institutions in order to help them improve their standards, achieve conservation goals and benefit the animals they hold.” (COM. 61.10) The Assessment Tool allows the evaluation of a zoo in need of improvement, as outlined in Appendix I.
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The Assessment Tool does not contain comprehensive questions regarding applicable legal requirements because of the differences in legislation throughout the world. Therefore, relevant questions need to be added to the Tool by the person/institution using it. The Assessment Tool will be available to the members through the WAZA Office.
4) MENTORING GUIDELINES (MENTORING PROCESS) The Assessment Tool will also form a basis from which a mentoring plan may be developed. The Tool covers areas of best practice as well as the lowest acceptable standards. The use of the Tool may highlight areas which need improvement and future plans can focus on these. Local norms may be taken into account when using this Tool.
Mentoring process: 1. As zoos in need of improvement are identified through a number of different means, it is not suitable to prescribe such identifying processes in detail. 2. WAZA Office may be able to facilitate the contact between zoos that need improvement and associations/institutions that may be able to help. 3. The use of the Assessment Tool will draw attention to those issues where improvement and corrective actions are required. 4. It is suggested that the zoo discusses the process for implementing the suggestions outlined in the Action Plan with other zoo/aquarium professionals (e.g. national/regional zoo Association, WAZA, other zoo professionals).
APPENDIX I DEFINITIONS „Zoo“ For the purpose of this document, a zoo is a permanently sited legal establishment, in which wild species of animals are displayed under predominantly ex situ conditions, primarily open to and administered for the visiting public and where the principal business rationale is not commercial trade in living organisms or their products.* This definition includes establishments such as zoological gardens, wildlife parks, animal parks, dolphinariums, bird parks, vivariums, aquariums, insectariums etc. but not fenced nature reserves. * This definition is not a definition of a WAZA Member Institution.
„Best Practice in Zoos“ WAZA perceives best zoo practice as; 1. Compliance with the applicable legal requirements; 2. The establishment and provision of a supportive environment for the animals, personnel and public (duty of care); 3. The maintenance of the collection of animals in accordance with ethical animal welfare and scientific management principles, for the foremost and demonstrable purpose of conservation through exhibition, education and research; 4. A structured continuity of competence; 5. Having a statement of operational succession (Continuity of operations; succession plan; exit strategy; contingency plan); 6. Active involvement in the conservation of biodiversity (being involved in in situ conservation); 7. Working with institutions that need assistance to improve their standards, to achieve conservation goals, and to benefit the animals they hold; 8. Being committed to communication, cooperation and coordination among institutions; 9. The promotion of civic good will in the larger community; 10. The promotion of the fact that animals and ecosystems have inherent value (Promotion of a positive perception of nature and wild animals); 11. The pursuit of environmentally sustainable practices; 12. The provision of educational opportunities for learning about animals and their environments and; 13. Compliance with the WAZA Code of Ethics and Animal Welfare and/or equivalent industry standard.
„Zoos in need of improvement“ The minimum norms of standard zoo practice are compliance with the applicable legal requirements and the establishment and provision of a supportive environment for the animals, personnel and public (see Best Practices 1 and 2 above). Non-compliance with these minimum norms identifies a zoo as in need of improvement.
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APPENDIX II COMPLAINT PROCEDURE QUESTIONNAIRE In order to process your complaint, we would like to ask you a few questions. Your answers may be used as part of our continuing research.
About you 1) Age Up to 12
13-25
26-35
36-65
66+
2) Gender Male
Female
3) Profession (please specify)
…………………………………..…..
4) Are you affiliated/members with or members of the following organizations? Predominantly animal rights/welfare organization (please give examples) ……………………………………… Predominantly conservation orientated organization (please give examples) ………………………………………
5) Your experience with animals Do you keep pets? If yes, are they non-domestic animals?
Yes
No Yes
No
6) Your experience as a zoo visitor Do you visit zoos often? Yes, more than once a year Yes, every 2-5 years Yes, rarely (5-10 years) Not for 10+ years Never Other
………….………………………….. ………….………………………….. ………….………………………….. ………….………………………….. ………….………………………….. ………….…………………………..
About your complaint 7) Did you personally visit the zoo/aquarium in question? Yes
(go to question 8a,b,c)
No
(go to question 9)
8a) what was the date, time of day and weather conditions? Date …………………. Time of day …………………. Predominant weather conditions during visits: Raining/snowing Cloudy/grey/cold Clear/bright/cold Sunny/hot Very hot/humid
8b) Were you responsible for children (under the age of 13) during your visit? Yes
No
8c) How long were you in the zoo/aquarium in question on this particular visit? 1-2 hours 5+ hours (a whole day)
2-5 hours (half a day)
9) If you did not personally visit the zoo/aquarium in question, how did you learn about the alleged problem? From a friend …………………….... From an organization …………………….... From the media (tv, radio, newspapers, magazines etc)
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Other (please specify)
……………………....
10) If not given in your original complaint, please provide us with some details that are relevant to the complaint: Which species? ………………………………………… One particular animal of that species,
or the whole group?
If only one animal please give details ………………………………………………. Which particular exhibit or part of exhibit? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………
11) Did you express your concern to any member of staff from the institution concerned? Yes No If yes, then what was the response? ………………………………………………………..
12) Have you sent this complaint to anyone else? Yes If yes, then to whom?
No ……………………………………………………………….……..
Thank you very much for your response. We are now in a better position to process your query. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 30 August 2007 – 62st Annual Conference, held at Budapest, Hungary, August 26-30, 2007
Charter for WAZA/IZE Education Committee RES.61.5 Recognising that • • • • • •
Zoos and Aquariums have a unique and powerful role in educating and empowering communities to live sustainably and conserve biodiversity; Education is the broad process through which we engage with our diverse audiences by informing, challenging and empowering them to share in our vision and contribute towards our mission; Education of all kinds is highly determined by cultural and contextual factors; Our education programs will actively involve our communities, in all their diversity, in decisions about their learning, will be based on the principle that learning continues throughout life, and will provide formal, informal, and informal learning opportunities based on the needs of our audiences; IZE represents zoo educators worldwide and as such is the education arm of WAZA; WAZA unites, at a global level, zoos, aquaria, associations and like-minded organisations and individuals to achieve a sustainable future and in-situ conservation of biodiversity.
The WAZA/IZE Education Committee will provide a global forum to: • • • • • • •
Facilitate communication and linkages between individual zoos, aquaria, regional and national zoo associations, and like-minded groups and organisations in education programs; Support the development of education policies in all member zoos, aquaria, regional and national associations, and share information about them; Support and stimulate innovation and best practice in education programs in our zoos and in our communities; Support and facilitate best-practices training and development for zoo and aquarium educators, especially in the developing world, including IZE membership and attendance at IZE conferences; Develop, assist and promote initiatives to assist people in living sustainably, with particular attention to the effect of climate change on biodiversity; Develop, assist and promote education initiatives and programs to achieve the goals set out in the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy; Support and develop methods to evaluate the effectiveness of formal, informal and community based conservation education programs;
Membership of the Core Group of the Committee will include: •
Nominated WAZA Council Member (Co-Chair)
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• •
•
IZE President (Co-Chair) Interested WAZA and IZE representatives Regional Association representatives
Membership of the Committee will include: •
Interested WAZA, IZE and regional association members, some of whom are in the “core group”
Meetings would be held in association with IZE, WAZA and regional association meetings, as determined annually by the core group. Adopted at the WAZA Administrative Session of 30 August 2007 – 62st Annual Conference, held at Budapest, Hungary, August 26-30, 2007
Responsibilities regarding International Studbooks and Global Species Management Programmes RES.62.3 A. International Studbooks and Global Species Management Programmes (GSMPs) are those officially recognised and endorsed by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). B. The International Studbook and GSMP Programmes are coordinated by the WAZA Executive Office, which has the following responsibilities: 1. to make copies of the proposal forms, and guarantee and support forms available; 2. to circulate vacancies to CIRCC as they arise, CIRCC members will then advertise vacancy to members of regional associations 3. to submit to CIRCC applications for new International Studbooks or GSMPs; 4. to inform the applicants and other relevant bodies of the results of the review of applications for new studbooks or GSMPs; 5. to ensure that any change of studbook keeper, supporting institution, or composition of GSMP Committee, has the approval of the relevant regional associations and CIRCC 6. to produce an annual report for CIRCC and WAZA. This report records changes which have taken place since the last report, including vacancies, contact details of new studbooks and GSMPs, and changes in the status of individual studbooks, studbook keepers, and GSMP Committees. The report also highlights matters which need to be discussed by CIRCC and WAZA; 7. to keep the International Studbook Keepers and GSMP Committees up to date regarding the applicable rules and procedures; 8. where studbook data have become more than three years out of date, the office will ask for an explanation and will take action if necessary; 9. to report to CIRCC the details of any complaint registered by a regional association regarding an international studbook or a GSMP; 10. to maintain a data base and all relevant archival material relating to international studbooks and GSMPs 11. to organise the review, publication and distribution of GSMP-related publications, including Management Plans, Annual Reports and Recommendations 12. to deal with all correspondence relating to the initiation, up-keep, quality, publication and availability of international studbooks 13. to provide administrative assistance, guidance and advice to the GSMP Management Committees 14. to liaise and cooperate with the production of the annual ISIS-WAZA Studbook CD- ROM 15. to liaise with the Zoological Society of London regarding the lists of all international studbooks and GSMPs published in the International Zoo Yearbook. 16. to liaise with relevant NGOs and conservation organisations in relation to the International Studbooks and GSMPs C. The Committee for Inter-Regional Conservation Cooperation (CIRCC) is the standing committee charged by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums 1. with the overall responsibility for overseeing all international studbooks and GSMPs, 2. reviewing, assessing and approving applications for establishing a new International Studbook or a new GSMP, change of studbook keeper, or supporting institution, or composition of GSMP Committees, 3. reviewing the relevant reports prepared by the WAZA Executive Office, taking action in case of any complaint registered by a WAZA Association Members regarding an international studbook or GSMP, and 4. issuing and regularly reviewing the rules and procedures applicable to International Studbooks and GSMPs. 5. In all assessments CIRCC will take particular note of the views of the regional association(s) covering the range of the taxon. D. The Zoological Society of London will
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1. maintain a library of all published International Studbooks; 2. publish the list of current International Studbooks in the International Zoo Yearbook. Each entry contains the common and scientific name of the species or subspecies, the name and contact address of the studbook keeper, the total number of individuals registered in the studbook, the latest annual figures for births, deaths and if any, imports from the wild, and the title and date of the last published studbook. 3. publish the list of current GSMPs in the International Zoo Yearbook. Each entry contains the common and scientific name of the species or subspecies, the name and contact address of the Programme Coordinator, the associations participating in the programme, and the same information on the population managed as would be given for an International Studbook. 4. copy all relevant correspondence to the WAZA Executive Office. E. ISIS has the following tasks regarding International Studbooks: 1. to supply international studbook keepers, once they have been appointed, with a full ISIS data-set, in ISIS format, for the taxon; 2. to supply international studbook keepers with ISIS updates for the taxon; 3. to support the regular distribution of international data-sets to all ISIS members; 4. to report to the WAZA Executive Office and the Yearbook Office at ZSL the status of all studbook data distributed by ISIS, including the date to which the data is current; 5. to produce, on behalf of WAZA, an annual studbook library CD-ROM. This Document was approved by CIRCC at the Budapest Conference of August 25, 2007. It is based on, and replaces, Doc. 58.19.2, Responsibilities for the International Studbooks, adopted by CIRCC on 11 November 2003 and noted by Council and Plenary, and the draft Responsibilities for GSMP Coordinator adopted by CIRCC on 13 April 2007 at Karlsruhe, and on the sections 3, 4 and 5 of Rules and Procedures for International Studbooks
Trade in Animal Body Parts etc. RES.63.1 Background At the Budapest Annual Conference two papers were on the table drafted by DMJ/jnh/lrs, one called "WAZA Resolution on the Trade in Animal Body Parts, Fluids and Tissues", the other "WAZA Resolution on the Trade in Tiger Body Parts". For several reasons Council decided that these drafts be reviewed by the WAZA Executive Office and be merged into one - short - draft text of a more general (and perhaps less accusing) nature. In particular, there should be no references to certain species and specific countries. Also there should be paid attention to ensure that the text would be in compliance with the CITES Resolution Conf. 12.3 (Rev. CoP14). The WAZA Executive Office undertook this review and submitted to Council at the past mid-year meeting (April 08) the draft for a "WAZA Resolution on the Trade in Animal Body Parts, Fluids and Tissues”. Council, however, considered this draft still as too long and as containing too many details. Consequently, the Office prepared a shorter draft Resolution and an even shorter “Policy Statement”. Council gave a clear preference to the Policy Statement which is herewith submitted to the Annual Conference for final discussion and adoption.
WAZA Policy Statement on the Trade in Animal Body Parts, Fluids and Tissues WAZA institutions • Are not engaged in any way in the production and the trade of live animals or in body parts (including fluids and tissues), if this would stimulate a trade which may be illegal, unsustainable, or posing a threat to the species in the wild, or having a negative impact on the environment. • In particular they do not sell, give away or otherwise provide any animal body part including fluids and tissues from animals in their collections that would stimulate further demand for such products. • They dispose of all the remains of deceased animals by such means and methods as will exclude any body part from commercial trade. 63rd Annual Conference in Adelaide, Australia 2008 Oct. 19-23
Conservation Breeding RES.63.2 67
Background Sarah Christie of ZSL had approached both the former President and the Executive Office regarding a “Zoo World Statement on the Conservation Role of Captive Animals”. The background was that the international tiger coalition was seeking a short clear statement from the zoo world on the conservation roles of captive animals, in order to counter continual statements in the media of certain countries and at meetings etc. that the breeding of hundreds of tigers in tiger farms is a precious contribution to tiger conservation. This statement should take in all the conservation support roles captive animals can provide and should outline the type of management strategy needed to achieve conservation of biodiversity in captive populations (and thus show why those tigers are not contributing to conservation). At the Budapest Conference, Council agreed that this issue should be taken up and mandated the Berne Drafting Group to address it and that the result be submitted to the Committee for Population Management for their input, before being submitted to the WAZA Plenary. In addition the mandate was further specified as follows: • If the issue is taken up, it should not refer specifically to tigers but be a general statement. • It should be noted that perceptions regarding the role of zoo animals may vary from region to region. There were some discussions whether this should be an agreed WAZA policy. In such case, members of WAZA would be required to comply which could have a significant effect on all collections. The Berne drafting Group believed that probably only few WAZA members could uphold this policy and consequently proposes a statement as follows.
WAZA Statement on Conservation Value of ex-situ Management Populations of wild animals cared for by people fulfill their biological value and primary conservation purpose when, in accordance with scientific principles, they are subject to defined genetic and demographic management with demonstrable intent to secure their long- term survival in the wild. This management regime incorporates diversity, sustainability, behavioral integrity, taxon identity and health. 63rd Annual Conference in Adelaide, Australia 2008 Oct. 19-23
WAZA Sustainability Resolution RES.64.1 Background
Following the workshop on zoos and sustainability, which was held in 2007 during the 62nd Annual WAZA conference a sustainability position statement was prepared and finally agreed by the workshop on sustainability, held in 2008 during the 63rd Annual WAZA conference, Adelaide to be put forward as resolution at 64th Annual WAZA conference in St. Louis, 2009. Conclusions from the 2007 workshop in Budapest • Framing messages and approaches in the context of climate change alone was felt to be too narrow; the key concept is sustainability and the reduction of our environmental impact • Zoos recognised they had a vital role to play in communicating sustainability messages to a wider audience. • It was recognized that we must make all aspects of zoo and aquarium operations as sustainable as possible, ‘walk the talk’. • It was agreed that WAZA needed a sustainability position statement. A drafting group of Simon Tonge, Miranda Stevenson, Jo Gipps and Lesley Dickie was formed. (according to ACTION 4, Budapest) • Accompanied by a ‘how to do it’ web based resource manual (ACTION 5, Budapest)
The 64th WAZA Annual Conference provides the following guidance: • • • •
Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs; and that Sustainability requires a balance of environmental, economic and social elements; and that WAZA’s Mission is to provide leadership and support for zoos, aquariums and partner organisations in the conservation of biodiversity, environmental education and global sustainability; and that Zoos and aquariums are uniquely placed to influence positively the attitudes and behaviour of visitors and the global community towards the conservation and sustainable use of the Earth’s resources essential to achieving a better quality of life.
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WAZA resolves to commit to Sustainable Development through: • • • •
ACTING responsibly internally and being a positive driver globally; by PROMOTING and disseminating information on sustainable practices to its members that minimise the use of non-renewable resources and maximise positive benefits to society and the environment; and CALLING UPON its members to be leaders within their communities in introducing and promoting sustainable practices through innovations, initiatives and actions; and ENCOURAGING its members to promote sustainable living to their staff and visitors through appropriate allocation of resources, responsibilities, training and incentives.
64th Annual Conference, St Louis, USA 2009 Oct. 4-8
RES 65.1 Recognising the severity of the climate change threat and the response imperatives Background The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) represents a community of over 300 member institutions with a mandate of wildlife conservation, scientific research and environmental education of 700 million annual visitors. This position statement is necessitated by these responsibilities and an appreciation of the threat to the natural environment, to species and to current and future generations of humanity. WAZA recognises the severe threat of human-induced climate change to life on Earth. The risk is so great because CO2 emissions have already exceeded the planetary boundaries necessary for biodiversity and humanity alike and these urgently need returning to safe levels while it is still possible to do so. Climate change has been addressed principally by RES 49.1 at the 49th Annual Conference held in Sao Paulo, 1994, by RES 61.4 at the 61st Annual WAZA Conference, held in Leipzig, 2006 and the pre COP-15 communication to world leaders, via UN Secretary General in December 2009. The 65th WAZA Annual Conference RECOGNISING that the best available science supports the conclusion that there is an urgent need to restore Earth’s energy balance by returning atmospheric CO2 levels to below 350 parts per million (ppm). BEING AWARE that fossil fuel usage, habitat destruction and agricultural practices have increased CO2 concentrations from their pre-industrial level of 280ppm to around 390ppm and are increasing by 2ppm a year. CONCERNED that if we fail to return CO2 levels to below 350ppm the processes of environmental change, including sea ice, ice-sheet and mountain glacier disintegration, sea level rise, methane hydrate releases, ocean acidification, shifting climate zones, extreme weather events and biodiversity loss will pass beyond humanity’s control. BEING FURTHER AWARE THAT because the full impacts of current CO2 levels will take several decades to become evident, due to climate system inertia, it is understandably difficult to appreciate the danger that CO2 levels above 350ppm constitutes. Risk perceptions are further compromised by widespread understating of the dangers we are facing. THE WORLD ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS URGES the international community to agree to take effective action to return atmospheric CO2 concentrations to below 350ppm while it is still possible to do so. AGREES that of crucial importance to achieving this goal is an urgent phase-out of coal emissions by 2030, reversing the destruction of natural habitats and reversing the net negative impact of agricultural practices. These actions are also essential for helping humanity and wildlife contend with the many unavoidable impacts of climate change. CONCLUDES that WAZA institutions recognise the urgency of, and commit to reducing their carbon footprint and addressing climate change issues through their business practices, institutional culture, conservation and research programmes. WAZA institutions also recognise the urgency of conveying the threat issues and response imperatives highlighted in this resolution through their education and training programmes and community engagement initiatives. Supporting references: WAZA petition statement to world leaders via UN Secretary General November 2009 www.WAZA.org
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Hansen J. et al (2008) Target Atmosphere CO2: Where should Humanity Aim? The Open Atmospheric Science Journal 2: 217 – 231. http://pubs.giss.nasa.gov/authors/jhansen.html Rockström J. et al (2009) Planetary boundaries: Exploring the safe operating space for humanity. Ecology and Society 14(2):32 [online] URL: www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol14/iss2/art32/ Hansen J. et al (2005) Earth’s Energy Imbalance: Confirmation and Implications. Science 308: no. 5727, pp. 1431 – 1435 http://www.sciencemag.org/www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/308/5727/1431 National Academy of Sciences (2010) Climate Stabilization Targets: Emissions, Concentrations and Impacts over Decades to Millennia. www.nap.edu/catalog/12877.html Veron J.E.N. et al (2009) The coral reef crisis: The critical importance of <350ppm CO2. Marine Pollution Bulletin 58: 1428 – 1436. http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/L01_402.cws_home/mpb_featured Trumper K. et al (2009), The Natural Fix? The role of ecosystems in climate mitigation. A UNEP rapid response assessment. United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK. http://www.unep.org/publications/search/pub_details_s.asp?ID=4027 ZSL Indicators and Assessments Unit and WAZA/CBSG Climate Change Task Force (2010) Reference list of CO2 threshold levels and associated climate change impact and response issues: An iterative Web-based review. www.bioclimate.org
65th Annual Conference, Köln (Cologne), Germany, 2010 Oct. 17-21
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