Havana, May 29 (RHC)-- Biologists and specialists in the management of wildlife species in captivity are participating in the 24th Latin American Congress on Zoos and Aquariums. The event gathers delegates from 18 nations of the region and the United States.

Organized by the Latin American Association, the event is being held for the third time in Cuba. Previously, Cuba hosted the congress in 1991 and then again in 1999.

Armando Barrios, from the organizing committee, told Prensa Latina news agency that the event is an opportunity to exchange on issues such as species care and reproduction.

Delegates will visit the two Havana zoos, as well as Las Terrazas community, one of the Biosphere Reserves in western Artemisa province.

The academic program consists of debates on such issues as animal welfare and health, behavior, nutrition, environmental education and management, ethics and design of exhibitions.

The 24th Latin American Congress on Zoos and Aquariums runs until June 2nd.