Meetings & Events

When Crisis Strikes: Media Relations and Emergency Communications in Zoos presented by Ron Magill, Goodwill Ambassador and Conservation Liaison to the Zoo Miami Foundation and previous Communications Director at the Miami Zoo.

This webinar will not be RACE approved.

Disclaimer: This webinar is advisory in nature, informational in content, and intended to assist facilities in providing a safe and healthful environment. Considerations therein do not replace or override any applicable federal, state, or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Content may not address all of the safety and husbandry concerns for a specific facility. It is the responsibility of each facility, through the application of technical judgment and experience, to determine the appropriate procedures for that facility. Views expressed in this webinar are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

***Statement Regarding the August 13 ZAHP Webinar***

Zoo and Aquarium All Hazards Partnership (ZAHP) is aware of concerns regarding comments made by a guest speaker during the August 13, 2026, webinar, When Crisis Strikes: Media Relations and Emergency Communications in Zoos.

Remarks made during the presentation about specific zoological institutions, their professionals, and accrediting associations were inappropriate and inconsistent with the respectful, collaborative environment ZAHP expects of its educational programs. These comments should not have been permitted during the webinar, and we sincerely apologize to the institutions, individuals, and associations affected by them.

The speaker’s remarks reflected personal views and should not be interpreted as representing the views of ZAHP or its partner organizations. Our team has since spoken directly with the speaker about the concerns raised. During that conversation, the speaker acknowledged the concerns raised and apologized for remarks made during the presentation that caused offense or harm, including the specific mention and images of Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo. ZAHP has removed the webinar recording from all platforms and will not make this recording available in the future.

Prior to this webinar, ZAHP began work to strengthen and formalize our speaker preparation, expectations, and content-delivery procedures. We are finalizing these implementation updates across all future educational programming, including enhanced guidance for speakers and webinar moderation. ZAHP remains committed to providing educational programs that support thoughtful dialogue, shared learning, and collaboration across the zoological community.