Welcome to
the 80th WAZA
Annual Conference
Cali, Colombia
Hotel Intercontinental
October 26 - 30, 2025
Hosted by the
Cali Zoological Foundation
Learn more about this year's conference and hosts
Karen Fifield MNZM
WAZA President
Kia ora Colleagues and Friends,
On behalf of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and our global community of progressive zoos, aquariums, regional and national associations and partners, I would like to formally invite you all to the 80th WAZA Annual Conference being held for the first time at Cali Zoo in Colombia!
This year’s conference holds special significance as we celebrate WAZA’s 90th anniversary – nine decades of global collaboration in wildlife conservation, community education, animal welfare excellence and scientific advancement. Cali Zoo, with its remarkable dedication to biodiversity conservation and its location in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, provides the perfect setting for this historic milestone.
Cali Zoo stands as a beacon of conservation in Latin America, showcasing Colombia’s extraordinary wildlife while leading vital conservation initiatives. Their commitment to preserving native species, environmental education, and community engagement exemplifies the values that WAZA has championed throughout our 90-year history.
As we gather for this landmark conference, we have an unprecedented opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements while charting an ambitious course for the future of our progressive global zoo and aquarium community. The annual conference will provide a platform for leaders in wildlife conservation to share expertise, forge new partnerships, and develop innovative solutions to the pressing challenges facing our planet’s biodiversity.
We look forward to welcoming you to the vibrant city of Cali!
María Clara Domínguez
Executive Director, Cali Zoological Foundation
Dear colleagues,
On behalf of the Cali Zoological Foundation, it is an honor to invite you to the 80th WAZA Annual Conference. We are thrilled to welcome you to Cali, the City of Birds.
We are fortunate to be one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Colombia boasts the highest number of bird, orchid, and butterfly species. This richness is the result of a privileged geographical location and a wide range of ecosystems, stretching from sea level to perpetual snow at over 5,700 meters in altitude. Unfortunately, as in many megadiverse countries, certain forms of economic development, the growing needs of an increasing population, and limited enforcement capabilities put this biological wealth at risk.
For these reasons, we are sure WAZA 2025 will be a great opportunity to gather in a region rarely visited by the global zoo community. It will be a time to experience the diversity of the tropics firsthand, and to discuss the challenges we face, as a collective, in conserving it.
The history of the Cali Zoo dates back to the 1970s, and I have had the privilege of being part of this institution’s growth since 1987. Today, the zoo is a source of pride for the city, attracting 500,000 visitors annually. However, we are now more than just the Cali Zoo. Our Foundation has expanded beyond its original boundaries and we have opened a botanical garden and restored a colonial-era hacienda, transforming it into a historical and architectural heritage site. Yet, we remain true to our mission: preserving the biological and cultural diversity of our region.
I look forward to seeing you in Cali and welcoming you to Colombia. Our culture and nature await you.