Sharing Madagascar’s Conservation Stories with the World!

We are proud of Wildlife Madagascar’s Falina Razafimamonjy and Rota Andriantsoa, who presented at the International Zoo Educators (IZE) Conference, hosted by Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, South Africa, October 12 to 16, 2026.

Two Talks, One Powerful Idea: Stories Move People

Falina presented “From Emotion to Engagement: Fostering Sifaka Conservation Through Storytelling in Tsingy de Namoroka National Park, Madagascar,” highlighting how storytelling can inspire people to care about and protect sifakas, including Decken’s sifaka, one of the flagship lemurs of the Namoroka region.

Rota presented “From Literacy to Conservation: Storytelling as a Pathway to Environmental Empathy,” exploring the connection between reading, storytelling, and caring for the natural world.

Both presentations were warmly received by delegates, sharing the experience and dedication of our Malagasy team with conservation educators from around the globe.

What Is IZE?

The International Zoo Educators Association (IZE) is a global network of conservation educators working in zoos, aquariums, and other conservation organizations. Founded in 1972 by a group of European zoo educators, IZE has grown into an association of more than 600 members from over 200 facilities, connecting educators across six continents and more than 50 countries. Its mission is to help zoos, aquariums, and conservation organizations achieve the educational and social outcomes that are central to their missions, through resource sharing, networking, and professional development.

Every two years, IZE brings its community together for a conference hosted at a member institution. The 2026 gathering was the 27th in the series and only the second time it has been held in Africa. This year’s theme, One Planet, Many Voices: Educating for Biodiversity and Connection, was a fitting home for Falina and Rota’s work, which centers on the idea that stories, and the people who tell them, are among conservation’s most powerful tools.

Education at the Heart of Our Work

Education is at the heart of our work. Through our Education Strategy, Wildlife Madagascar is investing in schools, literacy, and conservation learning in communities that live alongside Madagascar’s forests. We are delighted to see Falina and Rota’s contributions recognized and to exchange ideas with colleagues who share our commitment to inspiring the next generation of conservation advocates!