International Captive Wildlife Conference Returns to Sacramento in 2026
The world's longest-running gathering on the welfare of wild animals in captivity will bring experts together this October.
A landmark conference dedicated to the welfare of wild animals in captivity will take place in Sacramento, California, on 2 and 3 October 2026.
Billed as the world's longest-running international conference on the subject, the event examines the realities faced by wild animals living in captivity.
It is presented by the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), an Ecoflix partner.
The programme brings together those working to understand and improve conditions for captive wildlife, offering a chance to share knowledge and discuss the way forward.
Following the two days of talks, attendees are invited to a visit to the PAWS sanctuary on 4 October.
The sanctuary visit offers a rare opportunity to see how the organization cares for the animals in its charge, and to connect the conference discussions with practical work on the ground.
Gatherings like this one help build the shared understanding needed to give captive wild animals better lives, and to shape a more thoughtful future for their care.
By convening researchers, advocates and carers year after year, the conference keeps attention firmly on the animals whose welfare depends on it.
Those interested in the welfare of captive wildlife can follow the event and the work of PAWS this October.