~Vantara hosts the EARAZA Annual Conference 2026 in Jamnagar, bringing wildlife experts from 30 countries together to strengthen global conservation partnerships, animal welfare and zoological innovation
Jamnagar, Gujarat, Oct 29 (VNI): Vantara is hosting the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EARAZA) Annual Conference 2026 from October 26 to 29, bringing together leaders, veterinarians, scientists and conservationists from 98 institutions across 30 countries, along with representatives of 29 zoological institutions from India. Under the theme “Strengthening Global Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation”, the conference focuses on knowledge-sharing and coordinated international conservation efforts. The inauguration featured a performance by three-time Grammy Award-winning composer and environmentalist Ricky Kej, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by EARAZA President Svetlana Akulova, Prof. Raman Sukumar of the Indian Institute of Science, and Dr V. Clement Ben, Member Secretary of the Central Zoo Authority. Vivaan Karani, CEO of Vantara, announced that the ANTZ Software Platform would be offered free of cost to all EARAZA members for one year to facilitate zoological institution management and information-sharing.
Addressing the delegates, Karani emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying that conservation progress by one institution should create opportunities for others. Akulova highlighted the need to share data, expertise and responsibility across national borders to strengthen conservation programmes. Prof. Sukumar underlined the importance of scientific research and knowledge-sharing, particularly for Asian elephant conservation, while Dr Ben stressed the role of zoological institutions in conservation, research, public education and animal welfare. The conference programme includes international conservation initiatives for species such as the Amur tiger, Oriental stork, Blakiston’s eagle-owl and great bustard, alongside discussions on biodiversity data infrastructure, animal welfare, veterinary preparedness, wildlife rescue, biosecurity and emergency response.
The sessions also feature Padma Shri awardee Dr K. K. Sarma, known as the Elephant Doctor of Asia, sharing field experiences on human-wildlife conflict; Moscow Zoo’s chief veterinary officer discussing polar bear rescue in subarctic conditions; and wildlife biologist and television presenter Forrest Galante exploring the role of mass media in conservation awareness. Other topics include urban biodiversity, citizen science, wildlife diagnostics, nutrition and visitor engagement at modern zoological institutions. Interactive initiatives such as the “Elephant in the Room” video booth encourage delegates to discuss challenging questions facing zoos, while the “Solution Station” offers expert guidance on practical challenges involving wildlife rescue, genetics, biosecurity and animal welfare. “Innovation in Action” provides a platform for sharing successful conservation solutions.
The exhibition area brings together 13 exhibitors from seven countries showcasing technologies for wildlife healthcare, diagnostics, conservation breeding and animal management. Participants include Karl Storz, IDEXX, Inventa Systems, SigTuple, IMV Imaging, Grumbach and Daninject, while Tribes India is presenting traditional tribal art, textiles and handicrafts. Vantara’s host pavilions feature innovations in wildlife care, including Vespr, an edge-AI bioacoustic monitoring system; Smart Egg Analysis for measuring and monitoring eggs; and an NFC-enabled device that helps caregivers record animal-care rounds. The conference also marks the release of the Indian Zoo Year Book, Volume 11, 2026, highlighting developments in India’s zoological sector.
At the closing ceremony on October 29, six leaders are set to receive Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by Vantara. The recipients are Svetlana Akulova, General Director of Moscow Zoo and President of EARAZA; René Franěk, Founder and Director of Chleby Zoo in the Czech Republic; Azer Huseynov, Director of Baku Zoological Park and Vice-President of EARAZA; and Indian conservation leaders S. C. Sharma, founding Member Secretary of the Central Zoo Authority, along with former Member Secretaries Dr D. N. Singh and B. S. Bonal. The conference will conclude with the handover of the EARAZA flag to the host of the 2027 conference, carrying forward the partnerships established in Jamnagar to strengthen international cooperation in wildlife conservation. VNI NEWS, Vantara, EARAZA Annual Conference 2026, Jamnagar News, Wildlife Conservation, Global Wildlife Partnerships, Animal Welfare, Zoological Institutions, ANTZ Software Platform, Ricky Kej, Indian Zoo Year Book 2026, Central Zoo Authority, Gujarat News, Vantara EARAZA Annual Conference 2026, EARAZA Conference Jamnagar, Global Wildlife Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Conference India, Vantara Jamnagar News, VNINews, VNINews.com