Chamber member The Greater Vancouver Zoo, has achieved two prestigious awards from the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) in recognition of its groundbreaking conservation work: the Peter Karsten Award for the Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly Recovery Project and the Colonel G.D. Dailley Award for Western Painted Turtle conservation. These awards celebrate not only GVZoo’s impactful work but also highlight the dedication of Wildlife Preservation Canada’s Lead Biologist, Andrea Gielens, whose efforts are inspiring similar conservation programs worldwide.

A major milestone this year included the use of groundbreaking medical treatments to reduce Cryptosporidium infection mortality rates from 36% to just 2%, accelerating growth rates in young turtles and increasing their survival rates. This medical breakthrough was discovered at the Greater Vancouver Zoo and impacts not only critically endangered Western Painted Turtles, but also provides a new way to treat this deadly and infectious disease for turtles of all species.

These awards are a humbling and inspiring recognition of GVZoo’s dedication to species conservation, celebrating the tireless efforts of all involved in these programs. They reflect a milestone in wildlife preservation—one built on decades of innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that species like the Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly and Western Painted Turtle continue to thrive in Canada and beyond.