ZAA In Situ Conservation Award of Excellence - 2026

The survival and enhancement of biodiversity in the natural environment of a species requires the support of everyone. ZAA members exemplify the ability of institutions to make dramatic differences in the conservation of species in their natural habitat. The In situ Conservation Award recognizes significant contributions to enhancing the conservation of an animal species in nature. Types of contributions include, but are not limited to, fiscal, educational and personnel in support of a single species or ecotype(s) supporting the species.

COMPLETION GUIDELINES 

APPLICATION – Be as complete and descriptive as possible to improve chances for committee approval!

Eligibility:  Must be a ZAA member. 

Deadline:  Applications must be received at the ZAA office no later than June 30, 2026.

General information:

  • By submitting an application for this award, it is understood that ZAA has been given permission to reprint information for ZAA-related publications.

  • Multiple programs can be submitted for consideration; however, each must be submitted as a separate entry. 

  • If you are using a pre-written (published) description of your project summary, it must be limited to one page and include the same information that is requested in the application or attach any missing information to the application.

How to submit:

Complete the form in it's entirety.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

(This individual will be the contact person for communication regarding the application, any additional information needed, and the award notice if you are chosen as the winner of the award. This person has express permission to act as the point of contact for the institution.)
(This individual will be the contact person for communication regarding the application, any additional information needed, and the award notice if you are chosen as the winner of the award. This person has express permission to act as the point of contact for the institution.)

SUMMARY: Be as complete and descriptive as possible to improve chances for committee approval!

Write a brief historical summary of the species requiring conservation support which includes the following. (You may submit a prewritten article on your program for the summary. By doing so, you are authorizing ZAA to reprint the article. It must also include the following information, otherwise attach those answers separately from the prewritten article)

Species information: 

  • Conservation area, biome, habitat or other ecosystem pertaining to your focal species

  • Historical background of the focal species indicating the necessity for the conservation support

  • Other species which may impacted by conservation efforts

  • Potential problems affecting the future status of the species of concern

FACILITY PROGRAM 

  • Describe your facility’s program design, commitment, financial support and/or personnel support  the in situ project

  • Length of time your in situ program support has been in operation,

  • Why does your program deserve recognition and support? What are the goals of your program?

  • Long-term commitment of your facility towards the in situ program

  • Plans for continuing your project support and/or expanding support your in situ program 

  • Results you have achieved with your in situ program support

  • What public education have you provided to highlight your program support? Describe how you have shared your success with peers and visitors. 

  • Are other ZAA or related facilities/organizations involved with enhancing your in situ project? Provide other organizations needing recognition.

Attachments: IMPORTANT

  • *Required-At least four photographs (  .PNG,  .jpg or .pdf format) of the program. Make sure your pictures support a complete visual representation of your program and they support the statements in your program summary.

  • *Required- Institution Logo ( in .PNG .pdf or .jpg)  for use in Conference Award Presentation

  • Optional: Up to two support documents

Highlevel