Welcome

Dear EAZA colleagues,

Dear friends!

We are really happy that despite the deep winter challenge in the middle of Baltic States, we will meet in person and greet each other again after such a long time with friendly handshakes and hugs. All the team of Riga Zoo will be hosting the 12^th Nutrition conference and we as a team are delighted to welcome those of you who have been with EAZA for quite some time now and to all those of you who have recently joined this family of EAZA. Those who are visiting Latvia, Riga or Baltic countries first and those who already have experience of Latvian summer.

We are extremely proud to be a host of EAZA Nutrition conference for first time in Riga Zoo history. We would kindly appreciate the contributions of all the people who are working hard enough to make this event a success and we would encourage every of you to participate and enjoy Latvian hospitality.

Riga Zoo already 110 years was an important part of Riga and Latvia as only National Zoo in a country therefore now is a crucial moment to step in a next level – innovative development strategy based on perfect mix of our values and main professional focuses – conservation, education, research and entertainment as a new vision of Riga Zoo in XXI century “emergency exit back to nature”.

Nutrition is  very important part of management of zoo animals. And it is very rapidly developing field which includes research on feeding of species in situ, nutrition composition of diets, feeding practices ex situ, using of innovative technologies and software, and many more. If you are interested in all news, best experiences and professional discussions visit Riga and 12^th Nutrition Conference!

If there are any doubts, questions, queries, or suggestions, feel free to ask us directly on e-mails or any of our Riga Zoo team member.

With all the warmest hearts we are waiting for you in Riga in January 2023!

Team of Riga Zoo

Anete Bilzena (Board Member( and Janis Rudzitis (Chairman of the Board)

Registration (Fully booked)

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN FULLY BOOKED AND REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED

The early-bird rate was available until 24 November 2022. For this edition of the European Zoo Nutrition Conference there is a limited capacity of 120 seats maximum, which means there is a high change the event will sell out relatively fast. 

Pricing schedule

Student discount fees are not available. 

The registration for the EAZA Academy course requires an additional registration. Please visit this page to register for the Academy course separately (EAZA members: €105 Non-members: €135). 

 Please take notice of the following EAZA Events cancellation policy:

• If you cancel more than four weeks before the event starts you will be reimbursed the full registration fee minus €50,- handling charges.
• If you cancel less than four weeks before the event starts you will be charged 25% of the fees.
• If you cancel less than two weeks before the event starts you will be charged 50% of the fees. 

Cancellations one week prior to the event will not be refunded

It is your responsibility to ensure that your cancellation for the Academy course/European Zoo Nutrition Conference is confirmed by the EAZA Academy or the EAZA Office respectively.

Covid and safety

• If the entire event has to be cancelled due to local Covid restrictions and/or national increased Covid prevention measures you will receive a full refund minus €30,-
• If a registered participant has to cancel due to Covid-related disease and/or travel restrictions caused by Covid the regular EAZA cancellation policy, as stated above, will be applied.
• If the entire event has to be cancelled due to increased safety concerns caused by unforeseen crisus situations (Force majeure) you will receive a full refund minus €30,-

Programme

The conference programme (V4) can be found here

Click here for the conference booklet and abstract book

Conference schedule

Accommodation

Delegates can book a room at the Wellton Riverside SPA hotel which is also the venue hotel. The standard fee for delegates is €55 (using the Promo code EAZA2023) per room per night including breakfast and VAT. 

Wellton SPA Riverside is a place where one can relax and regain energy after an eventful day in the city. The SPA complex has an Aqua Thermal Area area with a swimming pool for guests, a massage swimming pool, a jacuzzi bath, a cold water tub, a sauna, a cedar steam bath, and an herbal sauna, and a Turkish steam bath. The SPA complex also has massage rooms, a private spa area (€10 per person), as well as a beer ritual room where guests can enjoy beer baths. A modern gym with cardio machines and strength training equipment is available for everyone.

If you want to make a room reservation please visit the online booking site by clicking here 

Two other recommended hotel options, within 1 10-minute walk of the venue hotel are the Wellton Rīga and the Wellton Centrum. 

Rates for these hotels are as follows:

• Standard rooms single occupancy : €49 per room per night including breakfast and VAT;
• Standard room double occupancy: €54 per room per night including breakfast and VAT;
• Superior room single/double occupancy : €64  per room per night including breakfast and VAT.

Airbnb options are also available in Riga, Airbnb prices in the region will be in the same range as the recommended hotels. You can also consider hotel search platforms such as booking.com for finding suitable accommodation. 

Conference dinner

On Saturday 21 January the conference dinner of the European Zoo Nutrition Conference will be held at the Latvian National library. 

The dinner will start at 20:00. Conference dinner dress code: smart/casual

A bus will make three roundtrips between the venue hotel and the conference dinner location. Bus departures: 19:00, 19:20, 19:403 (You may also decide to walk to the National Library which is located almost directly across the bridge from the hotel. The walking distance is approximately 10 minutes.)

Latvian National library also known as the Castle of light (Renamed after a strong, emotional Latvian song about a 'Castle of light' which has sunken when the heroes of Latvia were defeated, but which rose again and shined it’s ever inspiring light when the Latvians overcame the odds) has been created by famous American architect of Latvian origin Gunars Birkerts as a symbol of Latvia’s everlasting will for freedom, independence and knowledge. It was opened in 2014 to the public and soon became major venue for many internationally renowned events such as NATO Stratcom annual security conference, Riga Conference for world leaders, Presidency of European Union and many other events.

Now it is major cultural and educational hub for everyone - scientists, students, regular folks as it hosts range of exhibitions and happenings on a daily base. During the gala dinner there will be a seated dinner, limited beverages, live music, photo and video boxes and Latvian traditional cultural performance by choir.

Exhibition and sponsorship

If you would like to sponsor the European Zoo Nutrition Conference 2023, or you are considering to exhibit during the conference week, please contact mirko.marseille@eaza.net

The following companies are sponsoring the European Zoo Nutrition Conference 2023 and will exhibit during conference: