In 2026, we’re marking a major milestone – 50 years of the Australasian Society of Zoo Keeping. To celebrate, our annual ASZK Conference will be held in Melbourne, bringing together passionate professionals from across the region.
With the theme “50 Years of Zoos and Zookeepers Thriving,” this special edition of our conference will honour the legacy of those who came before us, reflect on how far we’ve come, and look forward to the future of progressive, collaborative animal care and conservation.
Agenda
Wednesday, March 18
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
Event Start
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday, March 19
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mock Rocking Workshop with Crete Creations (Day 2)
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Optional tour to Werribee Open Range Zoo
Buses leave Melbourne Zoo front Entrance 9 am return to Melbourne Zoo approximately 4 pm
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Buses will take delegates into the City to the Rydges Hotel after the event.
Friday, March 20
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
9:00 AM - 9:25 AM
9:00 AM - 9:25 AM
9:25 AM - 9:40 AM
9:40 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
10:45 AM - 11:35 AM
Presenters will be at their posters for questions.
11:35 AM - 12:05 PM
11:35 AM - 12:05 PM
Key Note Speaker
12:05 PM - 12:20 PM
12:05 PM - 12:20 PM
12:20 PM - 12:35 PM
12:20 PM - 12:35 PM
12:35 PM - 12:50 PM
12:35 PM - 12:50 PM
12:50 PM - 1:05 PM
1:05 PM - 2:30 PM
1:05 PM - 2:30 PM
LUNCH
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
2:30 PM - 3:45 PM
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
Workshops continue
7:00 PM - 11:55 PM
7:00 PM - 11:55 PM
Gala Dinner - "A Touch of Gold"
Rydges Hotel
Saturday, March 21
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Conference Day 2
2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Gumbuya World
Tours, dinner and silent auction.
Buses will return delegates to the Rydges Hotel.
Sunday, March 22
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
ASZK Conference (Day 3)
6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
6:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Optional Dinner at own cost
Elephant and Wheelbarrow
Monday, March 23
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Optional tours - Moonlit Sanctuary and Lilydale High School Reptile facility
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
UV lighting and heating workshop with Dr Frances Baines
Melbourne Zoo
5:00 PM
5:00 PM
Event End
