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Fort Worth Zoo to Host Global Elephant Conservation Symposium
The Fort Worth Zoo is incredibly proud to host conservationists, scientists, and elephant specialists from 21 countries for a weeklong exchange on the latest research and developments in elephant conservation, affecting both wild elephants and those in managed care.
Attendees of the International Elephant Foundation (IEF) conference will convene at the Fort Worth Zoo beginning today through Dec. 8 for its biannual conservation and research symposium — the first time in more than a decade that this meeting is held in the U.S. Session topics will include emerging anti-poaching technologies, new tools for human-elephant conflict mitigation, breakthroughs in reproduction and vaccine research, and conservation medicine, among others.
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Zoo
Following the symposium, the Global Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) Summit will take place on Zoo grounds from Dec. 9 to 10. EEHV is the deadliest virus to Asian and African elephants, affecting both those in the wild and managed care all over the world. This summit will allow another opportunity for leaders in the field to discuss the latest research and applied conservation science, explore new techniques and ultimately strengthen our shared commitment to safeguarding this species.
“It’s an incredible honor to host global leaders in elephant conservation — professionals with boots on the ground across range countries, working tirelessly to protect and manage elephant populations,” said Fort Worth Zoo Executive Director and current IEF President Michael Fouraker. “This symposium is not only an opportunity to learn from leading experts, exchange ideas, and build stronger partnerships across the conservation community; it is also a chance to spotlight the Fort Worth Zoo’s premier elephant program and the exceptional team behind it, whose breeding successes and advancements in conservation medicine are making meaningful contributions to the future of the species.”
In 1998, the Fort Worth Zoo spearheaded the development of the International Elephant Foundation (IEF), a global conservation organization dedicated to saving elephant species worldwide. Nearly 30 years later, this independent nonprofit organization supports and operates elephant conservation and education projects in managed facilities and in the wild, with an emphasis on management, protection and scientific research.
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Zoo
IEF Symposium Schedule:
- Dec. 3-4 IEF Board Meeting
- Dec. 5-8 IEF Symposium
- Dec. 9-10 EEHV Summit
