Conservationists to meet in Panama

PANAMA. The Latin-American Association of Parks, Zoos and Aquariums (ALPZA) will hold a conference in Panama this week on global environmental challenges and the role that zoos and aquariums play as organizations that promote the preservation of biodiversity.

In its XVI version, the Zoos, Aquariums and Sustainability Conference will gather conservationists from around the world.

According to Adrian Benedetti, director of the Municipal Summit Park, education specialists, veterinarians, animal care specialists, architects and more are coming together in seminars and workshops that aim to promote the preservation of species in captivity.

“This conference brings together a group of dynamic professionals in different fields to display the latest tendencies in the world of zoos and aquariums.

“Today these thematic parks have much more important responsibilities as preservation and education centers whose impact is massive given that they are visited by millions of people every year,” said Benedetti.

The conference will bring together more than 70 professionals from across Latin America, Europe and the United States, to discuss how zoos and aquariums can help promote the preservation of species through educational programs, national campaigns, and community projects in zones where endangered species live.

Workshops designed to help strengthen the work of zoos such as the Summit Park are aiming to provide tools to properly design educational programs, handle wild animals in captivity, design exhibits, and manage aquariums, will be offered.

The conference will be held at the Convention Center in Ciudad de Saber (building 184, Clayton).

Seminars and workshops are open to students of all levels, scientists and nature lovers, yet space is limited and ticket prices vary according to professional field.

The conference will run from May 26 - 29. For more details, visit www.alpza.com or call 232-4850.