Canada Hosts the AZA 2024 Annual Conference for the First Time in 40 Years

16 SEPTEMBER 2024 (Calgary, AB) – The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is hosting the 2024 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Annual Conference, which will bring together zoo and aquarium professionals from around the world to Calgary from September 14-19, 2024. 

“We’re incredibly honored to welcome the AZA Annual Conference back to Canada for the first time in 40 years,” said Jamie Dorgan, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “This is a pivotal moment for us to highlight not only our commitment to conservation and animal wellbeing but also the beauty and innovation of Calgary and Alberta. Our teams are eager to demonstrate our role in advancing efforts to save species from extinction.” 

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an accredited member of the AZA. The AZA Annual Conference is North America’s largest gathering of zoo and aquarium professionals, featuring over 150 educational sessions, industry successes, and the latest technology. Attendees will have the chance to connect with over 2,200 dedicated professionals and embark on exclusive pre-and post-conference tours, featuring the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, its offsite conservation facility, the Archibald Biodiversity Centre, and some of Alberta’s most iconic destinations, including Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Drumheller, and Waterton. 

The conference will take place at the newly expanded BMO Centre, located in the heart of Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District. As Western Canada’s largest convention center, this state-of-the-art venue opened in June 2024 and is the perfect setting for this prestigious event. A highlight of the conference is Zoo Day on September 19th, where attendees will get a firsthand look at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s commitment to animal care, conservation, and environmental stewardship. To ensure a memorable experience, the zoo will be closed to the public, including members and day visitors, on this day. Regular hours will resume on Friday, September 20th. 

“Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is a leader in connecting people to the iconic wildlife of the world as well as the incredibly rich biodiversity of Canada,” said Dan Ashe, president and chief executive officer of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “The Zoo’s dedication to wildlife conservation, innovative education programs, and community outreach makes them the ideal host for our annual gathering of the world’s leading aquarium and zoo professionals. We couldn’t be more excited to be in Calgary as our community convenes to celebrate our successes and address the escalating extinction crisis.” 

Beyond offering invaluable professional development opportunities, this event underscores Calgary’s role as a leading destination for global conservation efforts. Drawing over 2,200 zoo and aquarium professionals, the AZA 2024 Annual Conference is contracted to fill more than 6,100 hotel room nights and is projected to generate an estimated $9.7 million in economic impact, significantly boosting the local economy. 

“We are thrilled to welcome the 2024 AZA Annual Conference to our vibrant city,” said Alisha Reynolds, CEO of Tourism Calgary. “Our partners at Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo have been a cornerstone of our city. This event not only highlights the world-class nature of our zoo but also brings substantial economic and cultural value to our community. We can’t wait to share Calgary’s hospitality and stunning natural environment with attendees from around the globe.” 

With months of careful planning by both AZA and the zoo, every detail has been thoughtfully considered. The event is set to leave a lasting impact on both the local community and the wider zoological field. 

For more information about the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, visit CalgaryZoo.com.

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For more information contact:

Alison Archambault
Director, Brand & Engagement, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
403.232.7766 | 403.919.9482 | mediarelations@calgaryzoo.com

Sarah Fedele
Vice President, Communications, Association of Zoos & Aquariums
sfedele@aza.org 

About the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo:
For more than 30 years, the internationally accredited Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been a leading authority in wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species to the wild and empowering communities to conserve natural resources to positively impact both the environment and local inhabitants.

While our work is global, our roots run deep in the Albertan conservation community. Sitting on 125 acres in the heart of the city, we operate one of the oldest charities in Alberta, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – a not-for-profit charitable wildlife conservation organization that works to fight the extinction of plants and animals worldwide. In addition to the zoo, we proudly operate the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility. Nestled on 330 acres in the Albertan prairies, the ABC is a stronghold for biodiversity and a temporary home to some of Canada’s most iconic species-at-risk.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is passionate about inspiring and educating generations of visitors about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Together, we will continue to be a force of nature for making the world a wilder place. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.

About AZA:
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 12 other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.