2007 ARAZPA Awards

The ARAZPA awards are an annual event that celebrates excellence in the core areas of zoo and aquarium activity.

These prestigious awards recognise outstanding achievements of conservation, education, research, exhibit design, publication production and professional excellence in Australasian zoos and aquariums. The winners were announced at the ARAZPA Conference in Wellington, 22 March 2007. 

ARAZPA Research Award - to recognise outstanding achievement in scientific research in ARAZPA institutions. Research projects will be judged on their ability to add to knowledge relevant to species conservation efforts and show innovation.   Award to Western Plains Zoo for Contributions to the Development of Assisted Reproductive Techniques in Captive Rhinoceros Species.

ARAZPA Exhibit Award (large scale) - to recognise excellence in the area of animal display and exhibit design by an ARAZPA institution, for exhibits costing more than $100,000. Any animal display exhibit, or portion of an exhibit complex, opened to the public during the preceding year is eligible. Awarded to Werribee Open Range Zoo for Kubu River Hippos.

ARAZPA Exhibit Award (small scale) - to recognise excellence in the area of animal display and exhibit design by an ARAZPA institution, for exhibits costing less than $100,000. Any animal display exhibit, or portion of an exhibit complex, opened to the public during the preceding year is eligible. Awarded to Taronga Zoo for the Corroboree Frog Exhibit.

ARAZPA Education Award - to recognise outstanding achievement in educational program design in ARAZPA institutions. Education programs will be judged on their ability to promote awareness of conservation issues, show innovation, and measure success. Awarded to Werribee Open Range Zoo for “Trees Paws and Claws”.

ARAZPA In Situ Conservation Award - to recognise exceptional effort by an ARAZPA institution toward habitat preservation, species restoration, and support of biodiversity in the wild. Awarded to Zoos Victoria for Tenkile Conservation Program.

ARAZPA Publication Award - to recognise quality publications within ARAZPA institutions.  The publications will be considered based on the professionalism of the production particularly in relation to the representation of conservation programs and activities of the institution. Awarded to Perth Zoo for Perth Zoo web site.

ARAZPA Professional Excellence Award - awarded to an individual in recognition of long term, outstanding contributions to the zoo and aquarium profession and its science or technology. This award is bestowed by the ARAZPA Board and may not be conferred every year. Awarded to Steve Irwin.