The year 2025 marked a defining chapter for the Exotic Wildlife Association, characterized by organizational growth, historic advocacy achievements, record-setting events, and an expanded commitment to conservation and education. Across every facet of the Association, from member services and operations to legislative advocacy and conservation initiatives, EWA made meaningful progress that strengthened both the organization and the exotic wildlife industry as a whole.
Strengthening Operations and Member Services
In 2025, EWA strengthened its office team by filling key positions, including a Registry Assistant and Membership Coordinator, and by creating a new Marketing and Social Media Coordinator role. These additions enhanced daily operations, improved member communication, and expanded EWA’s outreach efforts.
EWA also made significant strides in digital accessibility with the launch of a brand-new website. The updated platform provides members and the public with easier access to educational resources, information about EWA and the EWA Conservation Foundation, online store products, and important industry updates. Complementing these improvements, the EWA Registry surpassed a major milestone in 2025, exceeding 30,000 registered animals, a testament to the Registry’s growing importance and trust within the industry. In addition, EWA enhanced member access and functionality through the EWAK platform, which builds on the familiarity of the previous registry system while offering improved stability, expanded features, and mobile-friendly access. EWAK integrates the EWA DNA Registry with an enhanced membership management system, allowing active, lifetime, and corporate members to conveniently view, update, and manage their profiles and registry information online using a single login.
Advocacy and Government Relations Successes
Advocacy remained a cornerstone of EWA’s mission in 2025, delivering one of the most significant legislative victories in the Association’s history. EWA played the lead role in the passage of Texas House Bill 135, commonly known as the “tax bill.” Introduced by Representative Angie Chen Button, the bill moved swiftly through both chambers of the Texas Legislature and was signed early in the session by Governor Greg Abbott.
HB 135 exempts the sale of exotic animals from sales and use taxes, providing an estimated $100 million in relief from back taxes for the exotic wildlife industry. This achievement reflects the dedication of EWA, its Board of Directors, and its government relations team to protecting members’ interests and ensuring a fair regulatory environment.
Beyond HB 135, EWA worked diligently to oppose or amend legislation that could have negatively impacted the industry. This included efforts related to oversight authority, disease studies, criminal penalties, and animal identification requirements. Notably, EWA successfully secured an amendment excluding exotic species from legislation that sought to transfer oversight to Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the bill ultimately died without a hearing. At the federal level, EWA supported the introduction of the “Other Amigos” bill, further strengthening the Association’s advocacy presence in Washington, D.C.
EWA continues to actively engage with state and federal agencies, serve on boards and task forces, and prepare for emerging regulatory and animal health issues that could affect members and the exotic wildlife industry. In 2025, the Association released a formal position paper on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), joined the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team in September, and became an active member of the Screwworm Coalition of Texas, which meets weekly. Through these efforts, EWA remains vigilant in tracking emerging disease situations and providing timely, accurate updates to members as conditions evolve.
Record-Breaking Member Engagement and Events
Member engagement reached unprecedented levels in 2025 through both the Annual Membership Meeting and the Conservation Extravaganza. The 2025 Annual Membership Meeting was the first to be held at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas, setting the stage for continued growth and engagement.
Held August 7–9, the 2025 Conservation Extravaganza welcomed more than 600 attendees, making it the largest and most well-attended conference in EWA history. The weekend began with the 2nd Annual EWA Scholarship Golf Tournament, which raised more than $30,000 and enabled the Association to award eight new scholarships. Today, a total of 22 students are supported through the EWA Scholarship Fund, reflecting EWA’s continued investment in education and the next generation of industry leaders.
Throughout the Extravaganza, attendees enjoyed a full slate of activities, including educational seminars, networking opportunities, raffles, carnival games, and multiple auctions—the Elite Registry Auction, the Grand Auction, and the Exotic Auction. The event concluded with a memorable live performance by Stoney LaRue, bringing members together in celebration of another successful year.
The generosity of the EWA community was on full display during the event, as $265,000 was raised to provide relief for families affected by the Kerr County flooding over the July 4th weekend. This extraordinary act of support highlighted the compassion and unity that defines the Exotic Wildlife Industry.
Advancing Conservation Through the EWA Conservation Foundation
The EWA Conservation Foundation experienced a remarkable year of growth and impact in 2025, expanding both its educational initiatives and fundraising efforts. During the Conservation Extravaganza, the Foundation hosted the inaugural Rubber Ducky Race, which sold all 600 ducks and raised funds exclusively for conservation efforts. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefited the Foundation, establishing a new tradition that combines community engagement with meaningful conservation support.
In October, the Conservation Foundation Benefit at The Preserve in Fredericksburg brought together supporters and conservation advocates for an inspiring evening dedicated to wildlife preservation. Through generous contributions and shared commitment, the event further advanced the Foundation’s mission to protect exotic wildlife and the industry.
Education and hands-on experience remained central to the Foundation’s work. In the summer of 2025, the Foundation proudly sponsored students participating in the Texas A&M African Wildlife Medicine Course. Students gained invaluable field experience in wildlife medicine and conservation operations, including elephant collaring, giraffe capture, sable relocation and treatment, rhino conservation initiatives, and a cheetah rescue. By supporting these opportunities, the Foundation continues to invest in the future of wildlife conservation.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As EWA looks toward 2026, the Association is poised to build on the momentum and accomplishments of 2025. With continued focus on advocacy, education, conservation, and member support, EWA remains steadfast in its mission to advance the conservation of exotic wildlife, protect the exotic wildlife industry, and enable responsible stewardship of the animals in its members’ care.
With the dedication of its members, partners, sponsors, and leadership, EWA enters the coming year ready to continue making a lasting impact on the industry and the conservation efforts it supports.