Vantara hosts EARAZA 2026 conference, brings together 98 institutions from 30 countries

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, alongside representatives of 29 zoological institutions in India.

Themed “Strengthening Global Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation”, the conference aims to promote knowledge-sharing and cross-border collaboration in wildlife conservation, animal welfare, veterinary science and biodiversity management.

The inaugural ceremony featured a performance by three-time Grammy Award-winning composer and environmentalist Ricky Kej, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by Svetlana Akulova, president of EARAZA; Prof. Raman Sukumar of the Indian Institute of Science; and Dr V. Clement Ben, member secretary of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).

Welcoming delegates, Vivaan Karani, CEO of Vantara, announced that the ANTZ Software Platform would be offered free of cost to all EARAZA members for one year. The cloud-based platform is designed to help zoological institutions manage operations and exchange data through its Open Data Exchange feature.

“Vantara means the Star of the Forest. But a single star cannot illuminate the entire sky. It takes a constellation. We do not come here simply to share what we have built. We come to learn from you, collaborate with you and support your work, because when one institution advances, it should create opportunities for others to advance with it,” Karani said.

Akulova emphasised the importance of international cooperation in conservation, saying that sharing data, expertise and responsibility could strengthen programmes across regions. She said the conference was aimed at turning the network of zoological institutions into a stronger global partnership.

Cross-border conservation and animal welfare

The conference programme covers international species conservation initiatives, veterinary capacity-building, animal welfare, disaster preparedness and biodiversity research. Species coordinators are sharing experiences from conservation programmes involving the Amur tiger, Oriental stork, Blakiston's eagle-owl and great bustard, among other species. Discussions also include efforts to conserve Boiga snakes and reintroduce the long-eared hedgehog.

Akulova has outlined a vision for a global data infrastructure for biodiversity conservation, allowing information gathered by one institution to inform conservation decisions elsewhere.

The sessions extend beyond species-specific programmes to examine animal welfare standards, emergency preparedness at care facilities, wildlife rescue and veterinary capabilities. Padma Shri awardee Dr K. K. Sarma, known as the Elephant Doctor of Asia, is sharing field experiences in managing human-wildlife conflict. Other speakers include Moscow Zoo's chief veterinary officer, who will discuss polar bear rescues in subarctic conditions, and wildlife biologist and television presenter Forrest Galante, who will explore the role of mass media in conservation.

Sessions on urban biodiversity, citizen science, wildlife diagnostics, nutrition and visitor engagement are also part of the programme. EARAZA members are scheduled to hold a voting session to determine the association's priorities for the coming year.

Sukumar, an Asian elephant ecologist and honorary professor at the Indian Institute of Science, highlighted the importance of scientific collaboration and adaptive conservation strategies.

“Elephants have taught me that conservation is a long journey, guided by patient science, the willingness to share what we learn and the flexibility to adapt our approach as contexts change. In India, home to most of the world's Asian elephants, it is heartening to see the global community gather to do exactly that,” he said.

Ben said zoological institutions played an important role in conservation, research and public education, adding that international gatherings could help improve animal welfare standards and strengthen cooperation.

Technology and innovation in wildlife care

The conference features interactive initiatives designed to encourage open discussions and the exchange of practical solutions. The Elephant in the Room video booth invites participants to address questions about the future of zoos and transparency in wildlife care. The Solution Station allows delegates to seek expert guidance on challenges related to animal care and conservation, including rescue, genetics, biosecurity and welfare.

The Innovation in Action initiative encourages participants to share solutions that have delivered results in their institutions.

The accompanying exhibition features 13 exhibitors from seven countries under the theme “Explore. Connect. Discover.” Participating companies are showcasing technologies spanning veterinary procedures, diagnostics, genomics, microscopy, conservation breeding, avian incubation and remote drug delivery. These include Karl Storz, IDEXX, Inventa Systems, SigTuple, IMV Imaging, Grumbach and Daninject. Tribes India is also showcasing traditional tribal art, textiles and handicrafts.

Vantara's host pavilions feature developments in wildlife care, nutrition, architecture and technology, alongside a virtual reality experience. Technology demonstrations include Vespr, an edge-AI bioacoustic monitoring system that identifies species on the device; Smart Egg Analysis, which enables teams to measure and candle eggs and monitor their heartbeat on one screen; and a belt-worn near-field communication device that allows caregivers to log animal-care rounds with a tap.

Lifetime Achievement Awards and Indian Zoo Year Book

The conference also marks the release of the Indian Zoo Year Book, Volume 11, 2026.

At the closing ceremony on October 29, Vantara will present Lifetime Achievement Awards to six individuals for their contributions to zoological institutions and conservation. The recipients include Akulova, general director of Moscow Zoo and president of EARAZA; René Franěk, founder and director of Chleby Zoo in the Czech Republic; and Azer Huseynov, director of Baku Zoological Park and vice-president of EARAZA.

The Indian recipients are S. C. Sharma, founding member secretary of the Central Zoo Authority, and former CZA 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 edition, marking the next phase of international cooperation in wildlife conservation.