- Home
- About ZAA
1000+ 65+ | $4 million
| $150 million combined annual budgets of ZAA organizations, which play a significant role in advancing regional economies and encouraging tourism |
15+ million
| 8+ million
|
About ZAA |
| ZAA is inclusive when it comes to caring about animals. ZAA consists of a wide range of members and accredited facilities including publicly and privately-funded facilities, nonprofit organizations, and individual members. ZAA members and accredited facilities make significant contributions to global conservation through reintroduction programs, rescue efforts, and rehabilitation work around the world. In addition, ZAA organizations provide education programming designed to help the public connect with wildlife and understand the vital importance of conservation. |
ZAA History |
| ZAA was formed in 2005, when members from two earlier organizations, the International Society of Zooculturists (ISZ) and the United Zoological Association (UZA), combined to promote responsible wildlife management, conservation, and education. ZAA has embarked on an exciting new strategic plan for the organization, strengthening its efforts for its members and accredited facilities in animal management programs, animal care and welfare, legislative efforts, marketing, public relations, education programs, professional development, crisis management, and more. |
1987International Society of Zooculturists (ISZ)In 1987, Ron Blakely, then the Director of the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas, who was also a co-founder of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), invited animal professionals from both the public and private sectors to meet and propose the creation of an organization that would deal more personally with "animal-only" related issues and concerns, without the distractions of marketing, graphics, gift shops, etc. A need for such an organization was identified by all present and the "International Society of Zooculturists" was formed. | 2000United Zoological Association (UZA)In 2000, professionals representing publicly and privately owned animal collections met to discuss problems that were not being addressed by other organizations. As a result, the "United Zoological Association" (UZA) was formed. | 2005Zoological Association of America (ZAA)In 2003, ISZ and UZA became sister organizations - ISZ for individuals and UZA for facilities. In February 2005, ISZ and UZA combined to form the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). ZAA is a non-profit, membership-based, accrediting organization dedicated to responsible wildlife management, conservation, and education. |
| The Zoological Association of America (ZAA) is a non-profit membership-based accrediting organization dedicated to responsible wildlife management, conservation, and education. The ZAA upholds the highest levels of professional standards in animal welfare, safety, and ethics. |
