We are excited to announce that Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, will host the 2027 Zoological Registrars Association (ZRA) Annual Conference!

Save the Date: September 19-24, 2027

Get ready to connect with fellow registrars, share knowledge, explore new ideas, and experience all that Atlanta has to offer. We look forward to bringing the ZRA community together for another great annual conference in a city known for its Southern hospitality, rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class attractions.

Meet Our Hosts: Georgia Aquarium

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium is an incredible destination for registrars. Home to thousands of aquatic animals, the Aquarium features immersive galleries and remarkable marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, beluga whales, sea otters, and more. Its commitment to ocean conservation, research, and education makes it an exciting setting for our professional community to gather and learn.

With sessions hosted at the Aquarium, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with colleagues while experiencing a unique zoological setting.

Discover Atlanta

Atlanta offers something for everyone! While in town, consider exploring some of the city's popular attractions:

• Centennial Olympic Park – Enjoy this downtown green space just across from Georgia Aquarium.
• World of Coca-Cola – Explore the history and culture of one of the world's most recognizable brands.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park – Discover important places connected to the life and legacy of Dr. King.
• Atlanta's food scene – Enjoy Southern favorites, local restaurants, and a variety of culinary experiences.

Whether you plan to arrive early, extend your stay, or explore with fellow registrars, Atlanta has plenty to offer beyond the conference.

A Special Thank You

A huge thank-you to Georgia Aquarium for hosting the 2027 ZRA Annual Conference, and to Alex Lovern and Kristy Edelen for taking on the host and planning responsibilities. We appreciate your time, enthusiasm, and commitment to creating a memorable experience for the ZRA community.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Atlanta in 2027! Start dreaming about your trip, and stay tuned for more details about conference dates, registration, accommodations, and programming.

We can't wait to see you in Atlanta!

Joann Watson

Annual Conference Committee Chair

Exciting news – the official ZRA Merch Drop launches TODAY! 🎉

We are bringing you a brand-new lineup of apparel and accessories so you can represent ZRA in style.  

🛒 How It Works:

• This exclusive sale will be open for just three weeks from Wednesday, October 7 to Friday, October 30.

• Shop the collection: Head over to the Bonfire storefront [bonfire.com/store/zra-merch-store/]ZRA Merch Store] to snag your favorites before the shop closes!

• Direct shipping: Items will ship directly to your doorstep.

Heading to the ZRA Conference? Look out for one $50 gift certificate and two $25 gift certificates to the Bonfire store during the Silent Auction!

Gear up and rock your ZRA pride!

The ZRA Marketing and Outreach Committee

Issue 4 of the 2026 ZRA Newsletter, ‘For the Record’, has been posted to the ZRA website: For the Record 2026 Issue 4
(click ‘News’ at the top of page, then ‘Newsletters’ in the menu across the middle of the page)

If you would like to submit an article, recommend someone for a member profile, or have other comments or suggestions, please contact Anna Pelc, apelc@potawatomizoo.org

Respectfully submitted,
 

Newsletter Committee