Vantara Hosts Global Wildlife Experts for EARAZA Annual Conference 2026

The inauguration of the event was marked by a soulful performance by three-time Grammy Award-winning composer and environmentalist Ricky Kej. Following the performance, the traditional lighting of the lamp was carried out by Svetlana Akulova, President of the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EARAZA), Prof. Raman Sukumar from the Indian Institute of Science, and Dr V. Clement Ben, Member Secretary of the Central Zoo Authority.

Welcoming the international delegates, Vivaan Karani, CEO of Vantara, emphasized the spirit of collaboration. He noted that while "Vantara" means the Star of the Forest, a single star cannot light the sky; it requires a constellation. He stated that Vantara is not just there to showcase its achievements but to learn from and support other institutions, ensuring that the advancement of one creates opportunities for all.

A Digital Gift to the Community

In a significant move to support zoological management worldwide, Vivaan Karani announced that the ANTZ Software Platform will be provided free of cost to all EARAZA members for one year. ANTZ is a secure cloud-based platform designed for managing zoological institutions, featuring an Open Data Exchange that allows members to share critical information seamlessly.

Voices of Expertise

The conference featured insights from some of the most respected voices in wildlife science:

• Svetlana Akulova (President, EARAZA): Highlighted that conservation cannot stop at national borders and that sharing data and expertise turns a network into a true partnership.
• Prof. Raman Sukumar (Asian Elephant Ecologist): Shared that elephants teach the value of patient science and flexibility, noting the importance of the global community gathering in India, home to the majority of the world's Asian elephants.
• Dr V. Clement Ben (Central Zoo Authority): Stressed the vital role of zoological institutions in research, public education, and raising the standards of animal welfare.

From Arctic Ice to Indian Forests: The Agenda

The conference program serves as a comprehensive map of modern conservation efforts. Species coordinators are sharing cross-border strategies for various animals, including:

• The Amur tiger and Oriental stork.
• The Blakiston's eagle-owl and great bustard.
• Niche efforts focusing on Boiga snakes and the reintroduction of the long-eared hedgehog.

Beyond specific species, the event is tackling systemic challenges. Panels are discussing how to measure animal welfare through individual outcomes, preparing for crises in care facilities, and managing disasters in the wild. There is also a strong focus on building veterinary capacity across different regions.

Highlights of the Sessions

The event features a diverse array of expert contributions:

• Dr K. K. Sarma: The Padma Shri awardee, known as the "Elephant Doctor of Asia," shared field-based lessons on managing human-wildlife conflict.
• Moscow Zoo: The chief veterinary officer detailed the harrowing and technical process of rescuing polar bears in subarctic conditions.
• Forrest Galante: The wildlife biologist and TV presenter explored the power of mass media in bringing conservation messages to a wider global audience.

Additionally, the conference is exploring the intersection of science and the public through sessions on urban biodiversity, citizen science, wildlife diagnostics, nutrition, and the evolving visitor experience in the 21st century. Alongside these discussions, EARAZA members are convening for voting sessions to determine the association's strategic direction for the coming year.