COMMUNITY
WILD AROUND THE WORLD The Sister Zoo Program helps zoos in developing countries become champions of conservation. WORDS Alegria
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ighting animal extinction is a driver at Zoos Victoria and everyone plays a role. “It comes from the top of our organisation,” says Chris Banks, Manager of Conservation Partnerships. “The Zoos Victoria Board is focused on conservation. If you’re selling tickets, you talk to members and
Working in tandem
The Sister Zoo program helps by upskilling zoo staff. “I work with managers and directors as they identify what their staff training and development needs are,” Chris says. He then finds Zoos Victoria staff with the expertise needed to help meet those needs. Before the COVID-19 pandemic halted tourism and travel, up to $30,000 a year was allocated to facilitate in‑person training with each sister zoo. This model has led to positive outcomes for Port Moresby Nature Park. Since the program began in 2013, education improved with student attendance at the Park rising by 850 per cent. It’s also become the first local attraction to be inducted into TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame. Zoos Victoria staff see benefits too. “The Port Moresby relationship has involved 30 staff from both organisations. Our staff learn about looking after animals in a different
IMAGES: CHRIS BANKS
Working for the
visitors and tell a conservation story. Everybody has a role.” Since 1992, the organisation’s role has been that of a steward of conservation. In 2005, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) recommended that developed zoos support zoos that lack resources, but which are committed to improvement – the latter point is critical. This call prompted Zoos Victoria to develop the Sister Zoo program. The program focuses on empowering zoo staff in developing countries with skills and training to create zoo-based conservation organisations. Today, the Sister Zoos program runs in Port Moresby Nature Park in Papua New Guinea, and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe, Uganda. These zoos represent international protection-priority regions – Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa. Chris explains, “We see those zoos as conservation hubs, and they see themselves in the same way. They want to ensure that through them, both Papua New Guinea and Uganda are rich with wildlife into the future. Those are aspirational goals and both zoos are on the way to doing that.”
