Attended the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Annual Convention this past week on Wednesday as a volunteer for the Maryland Zoo. This is the first in person gathering since Covid. It is the first time that it has been held in Baltimore and both the Maryland Zoo and the National Aquarium are co-hosting the event. I am also a member of the AZA--have been for a couple of years now.
It was a great experience. Some pics.
THE CONVENTION CENTER
The concourse where I helped guide guests and answered questions during a lull. Over 2,000 members attended the 5 day event.
THE EXHIBITOR'S HALL
I didn't count, but I would estimate 80 companies came to offer up their wares and services.
Ever been to a winter zoo lights event?
This company provides sculptures made of ocean plastic waste to highlight conservation messaging.
And there is swag! I didn't think to partake until a fellow volunteer made the case--it was the last day of the Exhibit Hall and none of the presenters wanted to drag their tchochtke's back to Omaha, or wherever they came from. Turns out, they were too eager to fill our bags--bags one of the booths gave us.
THE SILENT AUCTION
About 100 items and packages of items provided by member zoos and aquariums was up for bidding in a silent auction.
Not surprisingly, this snout print by the superstar of the Cincinnati Zoo (Fiona) was of great interest to bidders.
I bid on this package from the Sonora Desert Zoo & Gardens in Tucson; however, I did not win...
PRESENTATIONS
The highlight for attendees are a series of presentations. Volunteers were invited to pop in when things got quiet. Not surprisingly, I visited one titled "What's New In Habitat Design". I saw three presentations. The first from the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California highlighted their new "Into The Deep" expansion featuring animals from the deepest parts of the ocean. The second was from the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Desert Palms, California and featured a multi-species Eastern Black Rhinoceros Habitat, and the third was about the 10 year renovation of the New York Aquarium after it was devastated by Hurricane Sandy back in 2012.
MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
THE LIVING DESERT ZOO & GARDENS
THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM
Right after the water receded (it was 9 feet deep here)
Today after extensive renovations
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