MoU signals global animal welfare improvements
UK animal welfare charity Wild Welfare and The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), have joined forces to collaboratively achieve high standards of animal welfare in zoos and aquariums around the world.
The two organisations recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster and promote a shared commitment to improving welfare for animals in human care.
Wild Welfare and WAZA have a long history of working together and have now once again formalised the partnership and strengthened the existing relationship with this new MoU, which will see Wild Welfare supporting WAZA with the WAZA 2023 Animal Welfare Goal.
Wild Welfare’s acting UK director Simon Marsh, said: “This MoU is an opportunity to further reinforce the commitment Wild Welfare and WAZA are already making to ensure welfare standards are more consistent around the world – at both national and regional levels.
“We’re very pleased to be continuing our work alongside WAZA on their Animal Welfare Goal, because the results will be global animal welfare improvements that all animals in zoos and aquariums will benefit from.”
The goal requires all WAZA member regional and national zoo and aquarium associations, to have an animal welfare evaluation process in place by 2023, so that all WAZA institutional members can be evaluated on that standard of animal welfare through their association membership.
WAZA’s CEO, Dr Martín Zordan, said: “We are delighted to have extended our relationship with Wild Welfare and added a new element – the 2023 WAZA Animal Welfare goal.
“Wild Welfare is a strategic partner in supporting us to achieve the 2023 Animal Welfare Goal. Both WAZA and Wild Welfare are committed to achieving positive animal welfare in zoos and aquariums around the world, and this MoU provides for the strengthening of continued cooperation between the two organisations.”
Additionally, Wild Welfare will have an observer seat on the WAZA Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee, which will be represented by Simon Marsh, Wild Welfare’s acting UK director.
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Notes to Editors
For more information or interview requests please contact Wild Welfare on communications@wildwelfare.org
Wild Welfare is a global organisation committed to improving animal welfare for captive wild animals. By uniting the world’s leading zoos, zoo associations and animal welfare organisations, we build trusting partnerships that help provide long-term solutions to critical wild animal welfare issues.
Our vision is to end the suffering of captive wild animals around the world and ensure full and sustainable protection is given to all animals in human care. Find out more at wildwelfare.org. Registered charity in England (no.1165941).
About WAZA:
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world. Learn more at waza.org
