FOR THE LIFE OF WETLANDS — Wetlands for Life

FOR THE LIFE OF WETLANDS (WETLANDS FOR LIFE)
ZOO Ljubljana joins the new campaign of the European Association of Zoos
and Aquaria

Wetlands are among the most valuable, yet also the most threatened ecosystems in the world. They are a source of drinking water,
home to countless plant and animal species and a key ally in mitigating climate change.
That is why ZOO Ljubljana is pleased to join the two-year campaign of the European Association of Zoos
and Aquaria (EAZA) Wetlands for Life (2026–2027).

What is the Wetlands for Life campaign?
The aim of the campaign is to use the knowledge and experience of the EAZA community to:
• educate and raise awareness of the importance of wetlands among the public,
• encourage people to take concrete action,
• establish lasting partnerships with botanical gardens, research institutions and
non-governmental organisations for the conservation of wetlands,
• raise funds for selected wetland conservation projects.

How ZOO Ljubljana is taking part
On 2 February, World Wetlands Day, we filmed a special video at ZOO Ljubljana in which we
introduced the importance of wetlands and our involvement in the campaign.
In 2026 we will:
• repeatedly highlight wetland animals in our animal collection,
• prepare themed workshops and educational programmes
• and help visitors understand the importance of these habitats and the challenges of conserving them.
In 2027, dedicated thematically to the Wetlands for Life campaign, we will extend the programme with:
• an educational photo exhibition on Gallus Embankment in the centre of Ljubljana,
• collaboration with associations, institutions and wetland managers,
• joint events and projects linking nature conservation, science, education and the
public.

The ambassadors of the wetlands
The main ambassadors of the EAZA campaign are flamingos, which symbolise the beauty and fragility of wetlands. But
wetlands are not only a world of birds. The iconic species of wetlands also include insects, turtles, frogs, fish, otters,
pelicans, beavers, capybaras, … and even elephants. The campaign encourages us to highlight the diversity of life in
wetlands — from tiny insects to large mammals — and thus show how rich and important these
ecosystems are.

Wetlands are not just part of nature. They are part of our future. Through the campaign Wetlands
for Life, ZOO Ljubljana commits itself to an active role in educating, connecting and protecting these exceptional habitats.
Follow our content, events and programmes and join us in protecting
the wetlands!

End of release

We invite you to view the photo and video material at these links:

photos: https://we.tl/t-dgEz5pWuaL

Photo credit: "ZOO Ljubljana Archive"

Ljubljana, 2 February 2026

Press contacts:

Biologist and educator: Petra Vrh Vrezec, petra.vrezec@zoo.si, 031 30 15 14
Biologist and Head of Education: Irena Furlan, MSc, irena.furlan@zoo.si, 041 765 087