Welcome to the CPSG Annual Conference

Dear Members, Colleagues and Friends,

We are pleased to invite you to join us for CPSG’s 2026 Annual Conference in Cologne, Germany, hosted by our friends at Cologne Zoo.

As always, the CPSG conference will be a working meeting with an informal and interactive format. In carefully designed and facilitated sessions, participants will engage in lively discussions covering both familiar and emerging conservation topics. Our aim is to use the collective skills, experience, and wisdom of those present to shape ideas and accelerate positive outcomes for wildlife. Participation is open to anyone interested in threatened species conservation either in situ or ex situ, the work of CPSG, or the specific topics raised for discussion.

This year we’ll be turning the spotlight on Europe, exploring conservation trends, challenges and perspectives from this diverse region, as well as issues of importance to the broader global conservation community. If there is a topic you would like to work on with fellow conservationists from across the world, we invite you to send your ideas to CPSGAM@cpsg.org. Your participation and input will be welcomed.

We hope to see you in Cologne!

Dr. Caroline Lees
CPSG Chair

Dear colleagues and friends from all over the world,

it is a great honour and pleasure for us to invite you to Cologne, the largest city in western Germany.

Cologne has everything necessary for a successful gathering and international conference: joie de vivre, hospitality and a culture of openness to new ideas. People have been gathering in this trading city, founded by the Romans, for centuries. They are all connected by the Rhine, one of Europe’s most important rivers, which flows beneath Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most impressive buildings. In addition, there are a number of internationally renowned museums, high-quality restaurants and a rich evening and nightlife.

Cologne Zoo also offers a wealth of diversity. With around 12,000 animals from more than 800 species, it is one of the most diverse zoos in Europe. Located in the heart of the city, it combines historic architecture with modern animal husbandry and is committed to species conservation in almost every part of the world.

Take the opportunity to get to know all this and to enjoy the lively spirit of the city of Cologne during the CPSG conference for fruitful discussions, new ideas and new contacts.

Welcome to Cologne in October 2026!