2008 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 Sydney, 13 March 2008. 

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.   Awarded to Adelaide Zoo and Alice Springs Desert Park for the Red-tailed Phascogales Project.

	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 Perth Zoo for Sun Bear 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 “Conservation Connections : Supporting wildlife education in Africa”.

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 Adelaide Zoo for Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby Re-Introduction 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 Auckland Zoo for Te Wao Nui Publication.

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 Tony Billing.