CoP20 also addressed species whose conservation status has changed significantly. In a rare conservation success story, the Bontebok was removed from Appendix II due to its remarkable recovery, a testament to sustained protection and population management efforts. 

Conversely, the Caribbean Monk Seal was removed from Appendix I because the species is now officially extinct, with the last confirmed sighting in 1952. Its deletion serves as a somber reminder of what is lost when conservation action comes too late. 

The Guadalupe Fur Seal, whose population has grown considerably in recent decades, was downlisted from Appendix I to Appendix II. This reflects improved conservation status while ensuring that regulatory oversight remains in place. 

“This was my first time attending the RT and I definitely came away motivated by how much shared ambition there is to advance responsible practices in palm oil landscapes. It was particularly encouraging to see a clear focus on the involvement of smallholders and I hope this collective momentum will support continued progress in integrating biodiversity considerations across RSPO standards”  – Eleanor Evans, Chester Zoo

“At RT2025, I witnessed first-hand how many parties, from all different sectors of the sustainable palm oil industry, are working towards the shared mission of the RSPO and how PalmOil Scan proves pivotal in connecting consumers to RSPO member efforts. PalmOil Scan and zoos in general are absolutely invaluable as educational resources for the promotion of certified sustainable palm oil and providing a foundational understanding of why RSPO sustainable palm oil is a force for good which will help secure the longevity of the RSPO’s efforts. I return from the RSPO conference emboldened and steadfast in my passion for their mission.” Kean Kearney, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

“It was useful to once again see RSPO members across the industry and civil society come together to discuss sustainability in the palm oil industry, and we joined some productive discussions about how we can continue pushing for progress. We hope to see increasingly strengthened representation from the Zoos and other NGOs in this space, so we can collectively engage to support the wildlife and people living within palm oil landscapes. Greater representation and participation from smallholders, financial sector and downstream actors will also be important to continued progress.” Eleanor Spencer, ZSL

“I find the best thing for me to do at the RT is to listen and learn. Being with people in person from all the sectors involved in the industry helps me to gain context and understanding of the complex issues surrounding palm oil in a way that I just simply cannot do otherwise.

This year specifically, I left with a better understanding of how the RSPO currently functions as well as a great deal of opportunities for further collaboration. I will do a zoo-wide staff and volunteer update with new information, and one of the things I absolutely love about our Zoo is that all I have to do is provide updates and everyone takes that information and uses it to work towards our collective sustainable palm oil goals, both at our Zoo and through our conservation field work worldwide.” Emily Bowling, St Louis Zoo

If you are interested in helping bring the WAZA PalmOil Scan app to your country, please get in touch with the WAZA Palm Oil Task Force.

• Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife – A Regional Behaviour-Change Campaign

The Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia led a campaign that used behavioural science models and practical guidance, such as ‘catio’ workshops, to encourage cat owners to keep their pets happy and safely contained at home. Preliminary results indicate the campaign is effectively influencing attitudes, with 53% of respondents feeling more motivated to prevent their cat from roaming as frequently.

• The Two Oceans Aquarium Rethink the Bag Campaign – A Case Study for Societal Behaviour Change

The Two Oceans Aquarium (South Africa) transformed its ‘Rethink the Bag’ campaign into a nationwide movement to eliminate single-use plastic shopping bags. The campaign succeeded by employing Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) techniques, including public commitments and a dedicated campaigner sharing a personal story to achieve widespread societal shifts.

• Halting Local Extinction of the Shoebill in Uganda Through Conservation Education

The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre integrated conservation education with socioeconomic incentives in the Makanaga Wetland to protect the endangered shoebill. This community-driven approach reduced destructive practices like nest disturbances and led to a measured increase in the shoebill population.

• Conservation Holiday: A Welsh Perspective

The Welsh Mountain Zoo (Wales, UK) developed the free ‘Conservation Christmas Campaign’ to address the environmental impact of traditional Christmas cards through skill-based education. By teaching how to make eco-friendly seed paper cards, the project demonstrated high potential for retained sustainable attitudes, with 66.7% of surveyed learners reporting they would no longer buy standard cards.

• Creating Networks for Nature at the Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo’s (UK) ‘Networks for Nature’ initiative uses the COM-B/Behaviour Change Wheel model to champion community participation in creating a thriving, nature-rich landscape across 60 square miles. The initial phase engaged over 12,000 people, resulting in the restoration of over 62 hectares and significant gains in participant wellbeing and practical conservation knowledge.

• Invertebrate Conservation and Citizen Science: Social and Community Impact in Bern

Animal Park Bern (Switzerland) launched a project integrating invertebrate conservation with citizen science to raise awareness about vital saprophytic beetles, which included building specialised habitats and breeding the rhinoceros beetle. Citizen science participants gained hands-on experience and fostered emotional connections, leading to measurable changes in community gardening practices to support invertebrates.