EDUCATION

Environmental education is one of our professions strengths – in our facilities and in the community. It is central to our mission

CAZA’s accreditation standards require that members maintain a planned, professional education program that is based on the animal collection, that informs and educates, and seeks to motivate positive behaviour that is beneficial to the environment and to the long-term health and survival of wildlife.

Zoos and aquariums have a unique, invaluable advantage in communicating, educating and motivating – the animals for which they are responsible. When well presented by professional staff, the animals are the basis of an emotional connection with visitors that ensures the transmission of information in a positive, receptive mode that will encourage positive behavioural actions of benefit to the environment and to wildlife.

Every group imaginable is reached through zoo and aquarium education efforts.  These range from onsite programs for families, seniors, preschoolers and others, to on line experiences through the internet, to providing classroom content.

With their unflagging commitment to conservation education in living classrooms, accredited zoos and aquariums annually teach 1,300,000 Canadian children and adults about the natural world, its varied species, the impact of human activities on that world and the actions that need to be taken to protect it and its wild inhabitants.

Teachers are educated as well. Annually, thousands of Canadian teachers profit from training workshops, special membership opportunities and effective teaching materials.
 
The public trusts the conservation message of zoos and aquariums – surveys regularly demonstrate that accredited zoos and aquariums are authoritative sources of information about the environment and wildlife preservation.

Photo Credit
Vancouver Aquarium, Hamid Attie

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