The 26th Conference of the Southeast Asian Zoos & Aquariums Association (SEAZA) was held at the Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand from the 29th to the 31st of October 2018 with post-conference activities held on the 1st and 2nd of November 2018. The conference was hosted by the Zoological Park Organization (ZPO) under the Patronage of H.M. the King of Thailand. A total of 293 participants from 23 countries registered and participated in the conference.
With the theme, “One Voice for Nature & Wildlife” the 26th SEAZA Conference’s primary aim was to inspire and send a united voice to highlight the important role of zoological institutions in the Southeast Asian Region as primary centers for appreciation and preservation of nature, wildlife and its habitats.
The conference was formally opened on 29th October 2019 with opening addresses delivered by SEAZA President Dr. Phan Viet Lam and ZPO Director General Mr. Benjapol Nakprasert. The President of WAZA, Dr. Jenny Gray, and the Past President of SEAZA, Mr. Bernard Harrison gave keynote speeches. The plenary sessions and presentations by the participating delegates were well received. The presentations covered best practices in Animal Welfare, Conservation and Education, Veterinary Healthcare and Wildlife Nutrition.
ZPO also graciously hosted the Asian Zoo and Exotic Veterinary Conference in conjunction with the SEAZA Conference and hence there was greater participation for both conferences.
