Vantara Hosts EARAZA 2026 Conference with 98 Institutions from 30 Countries
Jamnagar, October 29, 2026: Vantara is hosting the Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EARAZA) Annual Conference 2026 in Jamnagar, Gujarat, from October 26 to 29. The conference has brought together representatives from 98 institutions across 30 countries, along with 29 zoological institutions from India, to discuss wildlife conservation, animal welfare, scientific research and international collaboration.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Global Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation”, the conference provides a platform for zoo leaders, veterinarians, scientists and conservationists to exchange knowledge and coordinate conservation programmes across borders.
The inauguration featured a performance by three-time Grammy Award-winning composer and environmentalist Ricky Kej. The ceremony also included the traditional lighting of the lamp by Ms Svetlana Akulova, President, EARAZA; Prof. Raman Sukumar of the Indian Institute of Science; and Dr V. Clement Ben, Member Secretary, Central Zoo Authority.
During the inauguration, Vivaan Karani, CEO, Vantara, announced that the ANTZ Software Platform would be offered free of cost to all EARAZA members for one year. The secure cloud-based platform supports the management of zoological institutions and includes an Open Data Exchange feature to facilitate information sharing among members.
Vivaan Karani, CEO, Vantara, said, "Vantara means the Star of the Forest. But a single star cannot illuminate the entire sky. It takes a constellation. We do not come here simply to share what we have built. We come to learn from you, collaborate with you and support your work, because when one institution advances, it should create opportunities for others to advance with it."
Svetlana Akulova, President, EARAZA, said, "Conservation today cannot stop at national borders. When institutions share data, expertise and responsibility, every programme becomes stronger. This conference is about turning our network into a true partnership."
Prof. Raman Sukumar, Asian elephant ecologist and Honorary Professor, Indian Institute of Science, said, "Elephants have taught me that conservation is a long journey, guided by patient science, the willingness to share what we learn and the flexibility to adapt our approach as contexts change. In India, home to most of the world's Asian elephants, it is heartening to see the global community gather to do exactly that."
Dr V. Clement Ben, Member Secretary, Central Zoo Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said, "Zoological institutions have a vital role in conservation, research and public education. Gatherings like this help raise standards of animal welfare and strengthen cooperation across regions."
The conference programme covers international species conservation initiatives, animal welfare, veterinary capacity building, wildlife rescue, biodiversity research and public engagement. Participants are discussing cross-border programmes for species including the Amur tiger, Oriental stork, Blakiston's eagle-owl and great bustard, alongside initiatives involving snakes and the reintroduction of the long-eared hedgehog.
Sessions are also examining ways to measure animal welfare outcomes, prepare for emergencies in animal-care facilities and natural habitats, and strengthen veterinary expertise across regions. Other discussions focus on human–wildlife conflict, urban biodiversity, citizen science, wildlife diagnostics, nutrition and the role of media in communicating conservation issues.
Among the contributors are Padma Shri awardee Dr K. K. Sarma, known as the Elephant Doctor of Asia, who is sharing field experience on human–wildlife conflict, and wildlife biologist and television presenter Forrest Galante, who is discussing the role of mass media in conservation. The programme also includes perspectives from veterinary professionals on wildlife rescue and care in challenging environments.
To encourage open discussion, the conference features interactive initiatives such as The Elephant in the Room, a video booth where participants share views on questions facing the zoological sector, and the Solution Station, which connects delegates seeking advice on challenges involving animal care, conservation, genetics, rescue, biosecurity and welfare. Innovation in Action provides another platform for sharing practical solutions developed by participating institutions.
The exhibition area features 13 exhibitors from seven countries under the theme “Explore. Connect. Discover.” Participating organisations are presenting technologies and products covering veterinary procedures, diagnostics, genomics, automated microscopy, conservation breeding, avian incubation and remote drug delivery. These include Karl Storz, IDEXX, Inventa Systems, SigTuple, IMV Imaging, Grumbach and Daninject. Tribes India is also showcasing traditional tribal art, textiles and handicrafts.
Vantara’s host pavilions feature developments in wildlife care, nutrition, architecture and technology, alongside a virtual reality experience. The exhibits include ANTZ platform tools such as Vespr, an edge-AI bioacoustic monitor designed to identify species on the device; Smart Egg Analysis, which brings egg measurement, candling and heartbeat checks into one interface; and a belt-worn near-field communication (NFC) device that allows caregivers to record animal-care rounds with a tap.
The conference also marks the release of the Indian Zoo Year Book, Volume 11, 2026. At the closing ceremony on October 29, six leaders are scheduled to receive Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by Vantara. The recipients are Ms Svetlana Akulova, General Director of Moscow Zoo and President of EARAZA; Mr René Franěk, Founder and Director of Chleby Zoo, Czech Republic; Mr Azer Huseynov, Director of Baku Zoological Park and Vice-President of EARAZA; and, from India, Shri S. C. Sharma, Founding Member Secretary of the Central Zoo Authority, former Member Secretary Dr D. N. Singh and former Member Secretary Mr B. S. Bonal.
The closing ceremony will also include the handover of the EARAZA flag to the host of the 2027 conference, marking the next stage of cooperation among the association’s members.
