Karen was confirmed as the incoming Vice President during the recent WAZA Council meeting and was appointed by member vote.

“Wellington Zoo is a world leader in animal welfare, sustainability and visitor experience as a progressive zoo and I am honoured to continue representing us on a global stage,” said Karen Fifield MNZM, Chief Executive Wellington Zoo.

“Wellington Zoo has been a long-standing member of WAZA and I’m excited to be part of the global discussion to set global standards for animal welfare, conservation, sustainability, conservation education and our professional ethics as progressive, leading zoos and aquariums.”

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a global alliance that works together with leading conservation-based zoos and aquariums, national and regional zoo and aquarium associations and academic professionals, to provide support on species conservation and welfare of animals in human care while encouraging the highest standards from member organisations.

Karen is currently a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Council, Chair of the WAZA Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee and Chair of the WAZA Sustainability Sub- Committee. To fulfil her new role as Vice President, Karen will be stepping down from her current Committee positions.

“Two of our values here at Wellington Zoo are ‘we are a voice to be heard’ and ‘we punch above our weight’,” said Karen. “My recent appointment as Vice President of WAZA goes to show that we walk the talk here in Wellington.”