Annual Conference

An Opportunity You Don’t Want to Miss!

The ZRA Annual Conference, hosted by a different Zoological Institution each year, is not only your opportunity to meet colleagues from all over the U.S. and multiple other countries, but to do that in a new city while visiting a new Zoo! The Annual Program is designed to offer learning opportunities in 5 core categories; Record Keeping; Wildlife Permits and Legislation; Animal Transport; Records and Collection Management; and Conservation.  Along with that ZRA conducts our official Business Meeting, Awards Ceremony, and Committee Action Planning Session (Z-CAP).  

The ZRA Annual Conference Committee is pleased to announce the 2025 ZRA Annual Conference will be hosted by the Zoo Miami. We wish to thank Karly Hurst, Zoo Compliance Manager and Will Elgar, Zoo Director for this exciting opportunity to visit the Magic City.

Zoo Miami covers around 740 acres and is one of the largest zoos in the United States. The zoo is home to over 2,500 animals representing nearly 375 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Founded in 1948 as the Miami Serpentarium, the zoo has grown into a world-class facility dedicated to animal conservation, education, and environmental stewardship.

2025 Conference : 3- 8 November

Zoo Miami

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Miami, Florida, is calling you!

From sun-kissed beaches to vibrant cultural neighborhoods, this dynamic city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the iconic South Beach, exploring the colorful streets of Little Havana, or indulging in world-class cuisine, Miami is a place where the fun never stops!

We are thrilled to invite you to the Zoological Registrar Association's Annual Conference, taking place in the vibrant city of Miami! This year’s conference promises to be an exciting opportunity to connect with fellow zoo professionals, share knowledge, and explore the latest developments in records, permits, conservation, and animal welfare.

Zoo Miami covers around 740 acres and is one of the largest zoos in the United States. The zoo is home to over 2,500 animals representing nearly 375 species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Founded in 1948 as the Miami Serpentarium, the zoo has grown into a world-class facility dedicated to animal conservation, education, and environmental stewardship.

The ZRA Annual Conference Committee wishes to thank Karly Hurst, Zoo Compliance Manager, and Will Elgar, Zoo Director, for this exciting opportunity to visit the Magic City.

Conference Details

Everything you need to know

Welcome to the ZRA Annual Conference FAQ section! Here, you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our upcoming conference. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a returning participant, this resource is designed to provide you with all the essential information you need to make the most of your conference experience. From registration details and travel logistics to session schedules and networking opportunities, we've got you covered. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Annual Conference Committee. We're here to ensure your conference experience is seamless and enjoyable.

Mark your calendars!

Mark your calendars! 3 to 8 November 2025!

Throw on your shades, embrace the vibrant energy, and let the Magic City cast its spell on you. Whether you’re an art connoisseur, an adventure seeker, or someone just looking for a good time, this city has magic for everyone.

- Sabah Drabu, Miami foodie, engineer, and entrepreneur

The 2025 ZRA Annual Conference will be hosted by Zoo Miami in the Dadeland neighborhood of Kendall, FL - a suburb of Miami. The conference will run 3-8 November 2025. The conference will be held at the Miami Marriot Dadeland. Registration details will be coming soon! Mark your calendars and don’t miss what is sure to be a great conference where you are not only taking part in sessions and collaborating with colleagues, but you are enjoying all that Miami has to offer!
We recommend flying into and out of the Miami International Airport: https://www.miami-airport.com/ Transportation from the airport to the hotel will not be provided. The Conference Committee suggests the use of taxis, Uber, or Lyft: --> Uber: https://www.uber.com/global/en/r/cities/miami-fl-us/ --> Lyft: https://www.lyft.com/rider/cities/miami-fl
Miami Weather: The weather is typically warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 24-29°C). November marks the end of the hurricane season, and rainfall is relatively low compared to the summer months. See the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/) to plan how you will use any free time!
Stay tuned!!!!

Contact Us

General

Jennifer Wilson, President

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park

P: 402-738-2068

F: 402-738-2039

jennw@omahazoo.com
Membership Chair

Vickie Edel, Chair

Audubon Nature Institute

P: 504-3212-5369

vedel@auduboninstitute.org
Professional Development

Lillian Moore, Chair

Saint Louis Zoo

P: 314-646-4824

F: 314-647-7969

lmoore@stlzoo.org

Jenifer Joseph, Vice Chair

Dallas Zoo

P: 469-554-7214

jenifer.L.joseph@gmail.com
Web Site Manager

Sherie Bradley

Houston Zoo

P: 713-533-6627

sbradley@houstonzoo.org

ZRA connects, trains and empowers the community of zoo and aquarium registrars.

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