Accredited Associations
 BIAZA...
BIAZA is the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (formally the Federation of Zoological Gardens of Britain and Ireland). It is a conservation, education and scientific wildlife charity; founded in 1966. BIAZA stemmed from a mutual desire within the zoo and aquarium community, to see sound principles and practices of animal management adopted in the British Isles and Ireland. Today, BIAZA is the professional body representing the best zoos and aquariums in Britain and Ireland; supporting and leading its members:
• To inspire people to help conserve the natural world.
• To participate in effective co-operative conservation programmes.
• To deliver the highest quality environmental education, training and research.
• To achieve the highest standards of animal care and welfare in zoos, aquariums and in the wild.
BIAZA’s vision is to be a powerful force in the care and conservation of the natural world.” (BIAZA website 2007). West Midland Safari Park is currently one of the 77 full members of BIAZA.
 EAZA...
In 1988, European zoos joined forces to establish a multinational zoo organisation within the European Community. In 1992 this organisation transformed into EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria). EAZA's mission is to:
• Promote co-operation for furthering regional collection planning and wildlife conservation, particularly through internationally co-ordinated breeding programmes of wild animals, such as the European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP).
• Promote education, in particular environmental education and contributes to relevant meetings and discussions of the supra-international organisations, such as the United Nations, The World Conservation Union (IUCN), European Union, the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Plant and Animal Species (CITES) etc.
• Advise, as required, the European Union, or other representative committees such as the European Parliament and the European Council (EAZA website 2007).West Midland Safari Park is currently a temporary member of EAZA, with the prospect of becoming one of the 306 full members in 34 countries.
BALPPA...
Founded in 1936, BALPPA (British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions) is the non profit-making Trade Association which represents the interests of owners, managers, suppliers and developers in the UK's commercial leisure parks, piers, zoos and static attractions sector. It speaks for some 300 members and ultimately for many millions of customers every year. BALPPA has a small, but active zoo group, of which West Midland Safari Park is one of about 30 members. BALPPA's principal aims are to:
- Promote safe practice throughout the industry.
- Promote and defend the interests of the industry.
- Represent the needs and concerns of the industry to HM Government departments and policy-makers.
- Provide advice, information and services to members.
- Provide forums for discussion of their interests and concerns.
- Promote professionalism, profitability, and best practice in the industry.
- Act as an authoritative source of information concerning the industry to the media and other opinion”.
(BALPPA Website 2007).
BALPPA’s aim is to compliment BIAZA’s objectives, rather than to duplicate them.
 ISIS...
The International Species Information System (ISIS) was founded in 1973, in order to compile an international database. This helps zoos and aquariums accomplish long-term conservation management goals.
Today, ISIS maintains computer-based information systems used by the worldwide zoological community. ISIS members use the basic biological information (age, sex, parentage, place of birth, circumstance of death, etc.) collected in the ISIS system, to manage genetic and demographic programs for their animal collections.
The ISIS central database contains information on 2 million animals – almost 15,000 taxa/10,000 species – held in zoological institutions and some animals in the wild. ISIS has sustained annual membership growth over the last 30 years, and today almost 650 institutions in more than 70 countries on six continents are members of ISIS.” (ISIS Website 2007) EAZA now states that registration to ISIS is compulsory for new EAZA applicants and that all existing members must also become ISIS subscribers. West Midland Safari Park has been using ISIS for two years.
 BALAI...
West Midland Safari Park is also BALAI approved. BALAI is an EU directive governing the transport of animals between European countries. It covers the movement of semen, ova and embryos. Explicitly, ‘BALAI’ approval facilitates the movement of animals within and between member states, with respect to infectious diseases. This makes the transport of animals between two approved institutions easier. However, this does not mean that health checks are not carried out. Instead, a health plan at each zoo must be in place and reviewed annually. In addition, certain health certificates for specific species may still be required. This will mean an overall reduction in certification, which will eventually lead to easier movement of animals. West Midland Safari Park is one of the 23 BIAZA members that are BALAI approved
WORCESTERSHIRE AMBASSADORS...
The Worcestershire Ambassadors is a unique scheme, coordinated by Worcestershire County Council, to bring together key business people from leading Worcestershire organisations to actively promote the county.
The best advertisement for Worcestershire are the people who live and work here and through their day-to-day activities, meet people from far and wide. This provides a wonderful opportunity to promote and raise awareness of Worcestershire and its unique benefits.
As leaders in the Worcestershire community, the Ambassadors play a crucial role in promoting the County as a great place in which to live, invest and visit.
The scheme gives like-minded business people, from across the county, opportunities to meet; it keeps members informed of local issues and gives them the opportunity to have their say.
There are currently over 50 members and companies who are proud to be associated with the county of Worcestershire use the “Worcestershire Source of Excellence” logo.
To contact the research and conservation department with any enquiries please complete our Research & Conservation Contact Form.
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