AATA's 2004 Vienna Conference Sponsors and Supporters

AATA's 30th International Conference
April 18-21, 2004 - Parkhotel Schönbrunn - Vienna, Austria

The 30th International Conference of the AATA took place in Vienna, Austria 18-21 April 2004 at the invitation of the Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Zoo). This is the oldest zoo in the world, now over 250 years old.

Europe is changing.  Ten new countries are to be subsumed into Membership in 2004.  Animal transportation legislation is changing and will be debated steadily during the next 18 months.  These two factors are not unrelated.  Transport distances for animals will inevitably increase, but there is pressure to reduce journey times.  Whether or how these divergent positions can be reconciled was discussed in the conference.  Opening speeches came from the legislators in Brussels.

We are told that legislation must be based on sound science.  There were scientific results presented on ventilation, space allowances, journey times, feed and watering requirements and other factors that affect the wellbeing of animals being transported, whether by road, sea or air.

Naturally, the main feature was on zoo species; but not exclusively.  There were specialist workshops dealing with pandas, elephants, primates and fish.  A progress report was be given on the assessment of competence of animal handlers and grooms.  With many new attendees from Ministries and Member States, and from shippers of all sorts, this conference was an ideal opportunity for networking and to influence the legislation both European and worldwide, that will affect anyone, however remotely associated with the movement of any animal, from giraffes to gerbils.

The venue was the splendid Parkhotel Schönbrunn, built by the Emperor Franz Josef as a guest house for his schloss and the accompanying zoo that he created.  The Annual Banquet was kindly sponsored by the Zoo, and there were many opportunities both before and after the conference to explore Vienna and its environs.  It was a memorable occasion in Vienna! 

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Last updated:  March 22, 2007