The European Association for Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) and the Verband der Zoologischen Gärten (VdZ) proudly announce the opening of a brand-new international digital library. The ambitious project has been given the name ‘Zoo Science Library’ and will contain academic publications from all over the world. Every research project in this e-library was conducted with the involvement of a modern zoo. Our own Centre for Research and Conservation (CRC) has also contributed to the development this unique project.

‘Thanks to the Zoo Science Library, you now have immediate access to over 600 publications on research conducted by zoos and aquariums!’

‘Zoos and aquariums have a unique potential to engage in research collaboration, thanks to the thousands of animal species they care for and the millions of visitors they receive. We hope that the library will help foster new partnerships, leading to exciting new knowledge and important discoveries,’ comments EAZA Executive Director Myfanwy Griffith. The organisation is proud that this project will enable all its zoos to contribute to both fundamental research and studies that can be put into practical use. Through this programme, EAZA aims to fully support and encourage decision-making based on scientific knowledge.

A peek in the digital bookshelf

At its launch on 3 March, the new ‘Zoo Science Library’ will contain 600 publications from the 2020 and 2021. When new articles or scientific publications appear in specialised journals, these will immediately be taken up in the library’s digital database. The data bank will also be retroactively and gradually expanded with earlier research.

‘The CRC has also made a big effort,’ explains our Director of Zoology Linda Van Elsacker. ‘The Zoo Science Library was spearheaded by the EAZA Research Committee that is chaired by the head of the CRC, Zjef Pereboom. The scientific output from Antwerp ZOO and Planckendael ZOO has already been entered into the system, and we will continue to contibute to this important database. Those interested in the scientific output of zoos and aquarium will be able to download some of the open-access papers as a PDF through the digital library. Not only academics but also other interested persons can now consult our research outcomes on www.zoosciencelibrary.org.’