The Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA) have bestowed the Award for Professional Excellence upon Sea World’s Director of Marine Sciences, Trevor Long.

Trevor was awarded for his outstanding commitment to marine conservation and involvement in numerous marine animal rescues including freeing whales entangled in shark nets.

The Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria Awards were created six years ago to encourage member zoos and aquaria to attain higher achievements for wildlife on behalf of the community. The peer awards recognise those who have excelled in their conservation endeavours throughout the year.

Trevor said that he was surprised and delighted at being chosen for the award.

“Working with the animals and making a difference through our research and rescue activities is rewarding in itself, so to be recognized by the industry for doing such wonderful work is humbling,” he said.

“Our Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation has undertaken many many rescues over the years, and it’s something I'm extremely proud of.

“I feel really fortunate to have been involved in making a difference through conservation, and helping to establish higher values for animals through this work” he said.

Trevor said that his fondest rescue memory is from a whale rescue at Coolum Beach in 1992. A Humpback Whale had beached itself and was about 20m from the water.