The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) awarded National Zoo's Acting Curator of Birds Sara Hallager with three service awards at its recent national conference in Kansas City, MO.

Hallager received two awards for 20 years of service in the role of AZA studbook keeper for the kori bustard as well as 20 years of service as AZA studbook keeper for the buff-crested bustard. In 2010, the National Zoo was awarded the prestigious Edward H. Bean Award by AZA for its leadership role in the captive management and conservation of kori bustards.

Hallager also received a service award for authoring two animal care manuals as well as initiating the development of an animal transport course.