Project Manager Mariusz Bleszynski's session will review the variety of permanent and rotatable animal enrichment devices used around the world in a variety of zoo scales and settings, as well as explore new concepts currently in research and development. Bleszynski will share ideas on how to engage animals’ five senses and their innate curiosity, as… Continue reading.
Director of Zoo & Aquarium Planning and Design Stacey Ludlum's session will explore zoos’ desire to bring enrichment to the forefront, which has been a catalyst for zoo designers to develop habitats around having the ability to enrich animals in full view of guests by designing the exhibits differently than traditional “natural” and immersive environments. This… Continue reading.
Part PechaKucha, part workshop, we’ll examine market research about affecting perceptions, case studies illustrating how some institutions have tackled this challenge, and brainstorm specific actions you can take to enhance trust and expand market potential.
In this session, we reveal some of the disconnects between the fantastic work zoos and aquariums conduct and what the public understands and cares about those efforts; and how these institutions can grow to maximize conservation and animal care transparency.
Over the last two years, AZA has conducted a study every quarter on the Public Perceptions of Zoos and Aquariums. During this time, we continue to see a national, slow, downhill trend on how the zoo and aquarium industry is perceived by the general public. But do we all need to look at data from… Continue reading.
The plight of the small zoo or aquarium is one of creatively resolving big challenges every day. These challenges are often met with not only limited funds, but also limited resources and personnel. Despite all of this, pound for pound small institutions make impressively significant impact by connecting people to wildlife and wild places in… Continue reading.
Utilizing the visually captivating Saint Louis Science Center Omnimax Theater, the opening keynote is a case study presentation about the upcoming renovation of the St. Louis Union Station and its transformation from historic train station to urban mall to world-class aquarium. Presented by PGAV Project Manager Justin Stichter and Visualization Lead Steve Mohesky, this can't-miss… Continue reading.
Zoos and aquariums play an important role within their communities as leaders in conservation, environmental education, animal care, and family fun. However, just as important as this ability to lead is the willingness and agility to adjust to their communities' needs. As visitor demographics, habits, and expectations change, what are zoos and aquariums doing to… Continue reading.
As part of AZA's annual On the Boards session, PGAV Destinations Vice Presidents Emily Howard and John Kemper will showcase the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden's African region, currently under renovation. The Oklahoma City Zoo is renovating an 11-acre area in the heart of its park into a world-class, welcoming entry and spacious African… Continue reading.
PGAV Destinations Vice President Emily Howard will moderate a panel of experts for this exciting and fascinating session at the 95th annual AZA Conference! Destination designers and leaders strive to create welcoming, inclusive destinations that are enriching and enjoyable for everyone. However, due to the natural behavior of other guests and crowds, interior and exterior… Continue reading.