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.
Zoo Animal of the Year 2026 – the crowned crane
Crowned cranes have a wingspan of up to two metres and live south of the Sahara. In many African cultures, they are regarded as harbingers of good fortune and a symbol of peace and prosperity.
However, this charismatic bird species is critically endangered. Habitat loss, the destruction of wetlands, pesticides, power lines and persecution by humans have caused populations in East Africa to decline by around 80 per cent over the past 40 years. Today, only around 2,000 crowned cranes remain in Tanzania.
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).
![[Translate to English:] Kronenkraniche](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/5/csm_Grey-crowned-crane_Foto_Frank_Winkler_30b34a0705.jpg "[Translate to English:] Kronenkraniche")
Wetlands for Life! The EAZA Species Conservation Campaign 2026–2027
Wetlands for Life! aims to harness the expertise, experience, reach and passion of the EAZA community and beyond to raise funds, raise awareness of the importance of wetlands, and inspire people to take action to protect, restore and create wetlands, along with all their biodiversity.
To this end, Wilhelma is taking part in the ‘Moorathon 2026’, an initiative by the charity ‘Mission to Marsh’, where, from 3 August, you can ‘run’ for the restoration of wetlands over a six-week period! And it’s not just running that counts – you can also add square metres by swimming, doing yoga, gardening or walking your dog – are you in? Then download the Summitree app and join the Wilhelma team!
For the remainder of the campaign, we’ll also be providing funds for the rewetting of wetlands and looking after native wetland inhabitants, such as adders and rare orchids.
And when you visit us at Wilhelma, you can use the iNaturalist app to identify the plants and animals around our water features. Your observations will then automatically be added to the Wetlands for Life! project and help raise our awareness of the biodiversity around us.
Past campaigns
Vietnam is amazing! Vietnam’s unique biodiversity is under serious threat from poaching and habitat loss, a situation that has been 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 Species and Population Conservation (ZGAP). It aims to unite conservation efforts and bring together institutions, partners and local communities to protect the country’s unique species and ecosystems through a comprehensive approach encompassing planning, research, education and fundraising.
The campaign focuses on nine flagship species: the northern white-handed gibbon, the Annam swamp turtle, the Vietnamese crocodile-tailed lizard, the crocodile newt, the magnificent finned catfish, the Vietnamese giant grasshopper, the Vietnamese pheasant, the moss frog and the Nui Chua stick insect. The last three species mentioned can also be seen at Wilhelma.
The oceans cover about 70% of our planet's volume and provide resources for millions of people. Overfishing, destructive fishing practices and marine pollution are the greatest threats to the oceans' ability to remain functioning ecosystems and provide important resources. Fish and aquatic invertebrates are essential for human consumption and as a source of income for coastal communities. Fish stocks must be preserved and properly managed to avoid massive losses.
The campaign addresses the role of zoos and aquariums in overfishing and the keeping of marine life. Participating organisations have committed to reviewing the purchase of fish for display, the purchase of feed for fish-eating zoo animals (such as sea lions) and their catering offerings to ensure the highest possible level of sustainability.
Asia's songbirds are threatened by excessive capture for the worldwide pet trade, traditional song competitions, use in traditional medicine or simply by being hunted for food.
The funds raised during the two-year campaign are used for etsablishing breeding stations, field research on endangered species and community education.
Wilhelma received for its financial contribution of 5000 € to the Sumatran Songbird Sanctuary the EAZA Gold Award.
The "Pole to Pole" campaign focused on habitats at the North and South Poles, which are endangered above all by ongoing global warming and the associated melting of the polar ice caps. As the ice recedes, the habitat of numerous animal species is also disappearing. Two unique and charismatic species have been chosen by EAZA as ambassadors: the polar bear, representing the North Pole, and the king penguin, representing the South Pole.
With the retreat of the ice, the habitat of numerous animal species is also disappearing. Wilhelma offered free public tours and lectures on "Wildlife in Climate Change" as part of the campaign.
Our closest relatives are severely threatened by the destruction of their habitats. 300 European zoos have joined forces in the campaign to raise as much money as possible for long-term support of great ape conservation projects.
Wilhelma alone contributed € 15.000 of this amount and received the Gold Award for its efforts.