The ‘Zoo and Aquarium Hero’ award winners

Galway Atlantaquaria Ocean Ambassadors & Clean Coasts Volunteers have been honored for their outstanding contribution in a special new award. The ‘Zoo and Aquarium Hero’ award has been conferred to a select few individuals who have made a special contribution to zoos and aquariums.

Our award winners Ultan, Amelia and Esmé have made an incredible difference towards promoting ocean literacy & clean seas, both as Clean Coasts volunteers, and ocean literacy champions through effective participation and storytelling through social media.

_{From left to right: Ultan McManus, Garry Kendellen, Esmé McManus & Tad Makulski.}

From organising local clean ups, telling an amazing story of Galway’s art, culture and history through the use of social media they made this selection as award winners very easy.

Ultan McManus, commented: “We are honoured to be selected by BIAZA as recipients of this award. A special thanks to Garry Kendellan and the wonderful staff at Galway Atlantaquaria for the nomination. 
The aquarium is an invaluable resource on our doorstep; they do amazing work championing conservation and highlighting the importance of our marine ecosystems.

Beach cleans help protect marine wildlife, reduce microplastics in our oceans, improve water quality, emphasise the significance of sustainability, and foster community engagement. Our enthusiasm for volunteering has been spurred on by our concerns for the future of the planet; the extreme consequences of climate change and pollution are disastrous. 

Individually we can make a difference, but together we are a crucial force for change. We are blessed to be surrounded by the beauty of Galway’s rugged coastline, but our geographical position on the west coast of Ireland leads to kilos of global marine debris, as well as local household waste, washing up on our shores. We want to preserve the enduring importance of Galway’s relationship with the sea for generations to come by Leaving No Trace and working to keep our beaches pristine. 

Follow us @sandlarks.”

Garry Kendellen of Galway Atlantaquaria said: “In 2017 our Clean Coasts group was cleaning Grattan Beach, and I met Ultan who was just walking along the beach. He asked what we were doing and he joined us for the beach clean-up. Ever since that day he has been a powerful advocate and supporter of the sea, joining beach cleans, setting up their own ones and telling a wonderful story about the importance of clean seas.”

In this round of awardees Ultan, Amelia and Esmé received the award along with just 14 other volunteers across the UK and Ireland. They join existing Heroes, including fundraisers who supported zoos over the pandemic and TV stars Aaron, Tyler and Cam Whitnall – hosts of CBBC’s One Zoo three.

Dr Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA said: “We were blown away by the dedication and innovative work of our winning Zoo and Aquarium Heroes. These volunteers are giving up their time to help the zoo communities’ mission in protecting nature and creating a better world. Whether that is consistently caring for some of the world’s most wonderful animals or sharing their passion for nature on social media.”

“The natural world is in crisis. It is a world that needs heroes more than ever before. We are so pleased to celebrate their achievements today.”

It is hoped the Zoo and Aquarium Heroes will continue to share their passion of the animal world and keep inspiring others to make a difference.

We are truly inspired by our ocean ambassadors and look forward to seeing more of their stories and beach cleans.

Learn more about BIAZA & Clean Coasts