Campaigns

Since 2000 the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) has been running conservation campaigns raise awareness for endangered species and support projects financially. The campaigns run for two years each under a changing focus.

The participating zoos give these topics a stage with exhibitions or events and join forces fundraising for the selected conservation projects.

The "Zoo Animal of the Year" is a campaign launched by the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations, the German Zoo Society, the Gemeinschaft deutscher Zooförderer e. V., and the Association of Zoological Gardens.

The focus is on highly endangered species in conjunction with conservation projects in their home areas.

With their unique bony armour, they have survived 60 million years of Earth's history, but today many armadillo species are fighting for survival. The 2025 “Zoo Animal of the Year” campaign is dedicated to protecting these special mammals. Together with its campaign partners and zoological gardens, the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP) is committed to protecting armadillos with projects in Brazil and Colombia. This year's campaign, under the patronage of Cem Özdemir, Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, was presented on 13 January 2025 at Wilhelma Stuttgart.

Since 2016, the “Zoo Animal of the Year” campaign has been drawing attention to endangered species that are often overshadowed by other animals and therefore receive less media attention. Together, numerous successes have already been achieved. For example, for great green macaws in Ecuador, tiger geckos in Vietnam and Javan leopards in Indonesia. The following applies to all former “Zoo Animals of the Year”: The conservation measures will continue beyond the campaign year, thus ensuring long-term support for the species in focus.

Partners in the species conservation campaign initiated by ZGAP are the Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ), the German Zoo Association (DTG) and the Association of Zoo Supporters (GdZ).

Vietnamazing (2024-2025)

Vietnam is amazing! Vietnam's unique biodiversity is under serious threat from poaching and habitat loss, exacerbated by the Vietnam War and recent economic growth. The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) has therefore launched the ‘Vietnamazing’ campaign in collaboration with the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP). It aims to unite conservation efforts and connect institutions, partners and communities to protect the country's unique species and ecosystems through a comprehensive approach that includes planning, research, education and fundraising.

The campaign focuses on nine flagship species: the northern white-handed gibbon, the Annamese pond turtle, the Vietnamese crocodile monitor, the crocodile newt, the magnificent finned sucker, the Vietnamese giant stick insect, the Vietnamese pheasant, the moss frog and the Nui Chua stick insect. The latter three species can also be observed at Wilhelma.