The 17th Annual SEAZA Conference was held in Seoul, South Korea from 5 – 9 August 2009. Hosted by Seoul Zoo, this conference was the first following the canceled 2008 annual conference scheduled in Thailand. The event was supported by the City Government and was held in conjunction with the Centenary Anniversary of Seoul Zoo (previously Seoul Grand Park). Mr. Ra Jin Goo, Deputy Mayor of Seoul, was the Guest of Honor for the inaugural dinner and was accompanied by City Council Member Dr. Jiwon Ha. The conference was a great success, attended by 250 participants from 20 countries.
The conference was opened by the Director General of Seoul Zoo, Mr. Won Hyo Lee, followed by SEAZA President Jansen Manansang who highlighted the ongoing climate change and global warming crisis, and the role of zoos to mitigate these challenges. He also emphasized the need for improving communication with national zoo associations to enhance ex-situ and in-situ conservation of highly endangered species. He congratulated the members for their achievements in various activities, including the strategic goals established by the SEAZA Future 2015 roadmap. Bali, Indonesia, was also introduced as the 2010 SEAZA Annual Conference venue.
Three guest speakers provided excellent presentations on topics of high interest to the membership: Professor JinSuk Kim from Konkuk University, South Korea (topic: animal welfare and biomedical research), Karin Schwartz from the Chicago Zoological Society (topic: population management) and Paul Harpley from Toronto Zoo (topic: Tundra Trek). Scientific sessions were then chaired by Prof. Agoramoorthy (SEAZA Ethics & Welfare Chair), Dr. Yong (Research Director, Seoul Zoo), Sally Walker (WAZA Council) and Willie Labuschagne (WAZA Past President). An ISIS workshop was also led by Kanako Nishimoto (Animal Management Coordinator) which was attended by Korean Zoo Association members and other conference participants.
A total of 51 scientific papers were presented by 31 institutions with topics such as ex-situ/in-situ conservation, welfare, husbandry, genetics, population management, breeding, education, zoo design, aquarium, training, research and veterinary care. Papers were presented by animal keepers, biologists, veterinarians, scientists, professors, government officials and NGOs. Notable participants included representatives from the Department of Forestry (Indonesia), the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (Indonesia), the Chief Council of the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, the Ministry of Environment (South Korea), the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens, the Chief Scientist from the National Cancer Institute (USA), the Director of the Wildlife Information Network (UK), the CEO of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta (USA). Of key interest during the conference was a presentation made by Bernard Harrison, former President of SEAZA, about the strategic road map for the future of the association, suggesting maximizing the regional coverage of SEAZA. A key goal of this direction is the establishment of a fulltime secretariat to manage the affairs of SEAZA, assist the membership and to support core services such as marketing, branding and program facilitation. It would also provide SEAZA a credible representation for the membership, present a united international voice on zoo affairs, and improve communication and networking within the association.
It has been proposed that the funding of a fulltime secretariat be established by obtaining pledges from existing and new association members to cover the first 3 years of operations. It has been suggested that the Secretariat initially be established in Bangkok and use Zoological Park Organization of Thailand’s premises, but eventually move locations to retain some degree of autonomy. Further planning of this effort will be done by a Task Force led by Bernard Harrison, with the findings to be presented to the membership at the 2010 SEAZA Annual Conference in Bali.
In addition to the many informative workshops and presentations, attendees were also given opportunities to enjoy the beautiful local sights of the conference venue. Excursions were arranged to tour Seoul Zoo, the revitalized wildlife of the demilitarized zone, as well as Coex Aquarium. Lastly, in true SEAZA spirit, a wide range of traditional performances reflecting the cultural diversity of the conference attendees were warmly received at the farewell party held at the Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel. Representing countries including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, US, Japan, China, South Korea and Kuwait, many talents were displayed including comical skits, musical instruments and traditional singing and dancing.
An informative and enjoyable time was had by all who attended the 17th SEAZA Annual Conference!