As the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) celebrates ’50 Years of Working Together for Wildlife’, it has marked the occasion by presenting a special anniversary award to Sir David Attenborough, recognising both his contribution to conservation and the inspiration he has given to BIAZA’s members over the past five decades.
Receiving BIAZA’s Lifetime Achievement Award at his Surrey home, Sir David said, “I am truly grateful for this very handsome award. It is most touching that BIAZA should have decided to present it to me.
“Things have changed so hugely since I first became aware of the world of zoos and aquaria. Back 50 years ago, the function we all thought about zoos and aquaria was actually seeing new things, new species, species that had only recently been discovered. And very thrilling that was, and very important that was because we had to have a catalogue of the animals and plants of this world. But now priorities have changed, and zoos throughout the UK and members of BIAZA have also changed with it, and they now see so clearly, and have shown the rest of us how important it is, to conserve the natural world in the wild as well as in captivity. And those two things are essential because there are things we can learn about the natural world, which can only come from intimate acquaintance with the animals themselves in zoos.”
You can view Sir David Attenborough’s thank you message here.
Sir David first made his name as a wildlife presenter on the series Zoo Quest with one of BIAZA’s founding members ZSL London Zoo. Since then, the acclaimed film maker has worked with several BIAZA zoos and aquariums, featuring their conservation projects and utilising their expertise.
Dr Kirsten Pullen, Director of BIAZA, said, “Sir David Attenborough continues to be an inspiration to us all. Not only is he recognised around the world as a broadcaster associated with some of the best natural history documentaries of all time, he personifies BIAZA’s mission in his commitment to wildlife conservation and education.”
Originally known as The Federation of Zoological Gardens of Britain and Ireland, BIAZA was formed in 1966 out of recognition of the need for standardised principles and practices in animal management. Made up initially of just nine zoos and bird gardens, the association has grown over the past 50 years and today its 113 strong membership has become a powerful force for conservation and education, with continuous scientific research and sharing of best practice to ensure the highest levels of animal welfare.
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