Port Moresby Nature Park’s Conservation Manager, Francis Otto Gundu, has been named “ZAA Employee of the Year” at the 2025 Association of Zoos and Aquariums Australasia (ZAA) annual meeting in Darwin, Australia. The event was made possible through the sponsorship of UK-based conservation charity, Synchronicity Earth, which supported three Papua New Guinean staff from the Nature Park to attend. Mr. Gundu, who hails from Simbu Province, presented on the park’s partnership with the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), highlighting its role as host of the newly launched Centre for Species Survival: PNG. The Centre aims to support the conservation of the country’s diverse native species. Wildlife Officer Ms. Bonnie Irima Bilson also shared insights into the park’s successful breeding program, which recently celebrated the hatching of a Raggiana bird-of-paradise chick as a symbolic achievement tied to PNG’s 50th Anniversary. Both presentations received high praise from conservationists, researchers, zoo and aquarium directors, and Indigenous representatives from across the region. The highlight came when Mr. Gundu was awarded the prestigious Employee of the Year title which was a recognition given to an individual who demonstrates excellence in teamwork, innovation, integrity, and inclusion. “We were already proud to have Francis and Bonnie represent the park,” said Nature Park CEO Johnpaul Houston. “Francis embodies the spirit of our wildlife team, and this award is a testament to over a decade of staff development at the park.” Mr. Gundu was acknowledged for leading several impactful initiatives that include improvements in the breeding of endemic frog species and expanding internship programs to include more urban youth. Melanesia Program Manager for Synchronicity Earth, Miriam Supuma, praised the achievement and emphasized the importance of investing in young Papua New Guinean conservationists. “Exposure to regional networks builds skills, fosters collaboration, and strengthens local conservation,” she said. “Francis’s leadership and innovation at the park show the great potential PNG has in leading its own conservation future.” Reflecting on the win, Mr. Gundu credited his team. “Although I’ve been recognized, the work we do is always a team effort,” he said. “This award belongs to all of us at the Nature Park.” He extended his gratitude to the ZAA, the park’s board, and CEO for supporting professional development and recognizing local conservation efforts. “It’s important that the world sees the good work happening here in PNG,” Mr. Gundu added. “I look forward to bringing the award home to share it with my wife, two sons, and the entire team.”