Zoological Association of America

ZAA is a non-profit, membership-based accrediting organization dedicated to responsible wildlife management, conservation, and education. ZAA upholds the highest level of professional standards in animal welfare, safety, and ethics.

2026 ZAA Annual Conference

Registration is now open!

New Orleans, LA

November 9-13, 2026

Early Bird Registration Deadline: August 17th at 11:59PM CT

Looking for Professional Development Resources?

Sign Up for Updates on News, Webinars, Events and More!

About ZAA

The Zoological Association of America (ZAA) stands as one of the nation's largest nonprofit zoological and wildlife organizations. Over 70 accredited facilities have met ZAA's rigorous animal care, welfare, and enrichment accreditation standards. With more than 950 members, ZAA offers visitors educational, conservation and entertaining experiences. ZAA members care for between 10 to 8,000 animals on properties ranging from 2 to 1,800 acres. ZAA is a genuinely unique, inclusive membership organization comprised of public and private facilities, including wildlife educators, rescues and rehabs, wildlife preserves, aquariums, as well as small and large community zoological and conservation organizations.

WHY ZAA?

950+ Members

75+ Accredited Facilities

15+ million individuals reached through ZAA member organizations each year

8+ million students in education programs each year

$4+ million contributed yearly to conservation efforts worldwide by ZAA and its members

$150+ million combined annual budgets of ZAA organizations which play a significant role in advancing regional economies and encouraging tourism

Get Involved

Become a Member

Join 950+ members and stand beside great companies supporting conservation

Accreditation

Join 75+ accredited facilities providing education, conservation, and recreational experiences to their communities

Professional Development

Magazine

Webinars

Protecting People in Public Spaces: Addressing Human-Centered Threats in Zoological Facilities

September 2, 2026

Registration Link

Answering the Call: How ZDR3 Activates Assistance & Provides Support in Critical Moments

September 9, 2026

Registration Link

Events

  • 6/25-10/10 - 2026 Small Cat Alliance Webinar/ Office Hours Schedule - Click Here

  • 9/26-9/27 - Wild Cat Weekend - Click Here

  • 10/18 - 10/23 - 2026 AAZV 58th Annual Conference - Click Here

Job Board

Visit the job board for career opportunities, volunteer openings, paid positions, and internships

Latest News

African Safari Wildlife Park Welcomes Critically Endangered Eastern Bongo Calf

African Safari Wildlife Park is excited to announce the arrival of a male Eastern Bongo calf named Conrad, born July 12, 2026. ...more

ZAA Accredited Facility News

August 07, 20262 min read

African Safari Wildlife Park Welcomes Critically Endangered Eastern Bongo Calf

Rare Giant Anteater Born at Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Only two giant anteaters were born in North America last year. The next one arrived in Goddard, to a pair the staff had nearly given up on. ...more

ZAA Accredited Facility News

July 31, 20263 min read

Rare Giant Anteater Born at Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Donate Today

Interested in Donating to ZAA?

ZAA Members: You can easily donate through your Member Compass!

Non-members: We'd love your support!

Or send a check to:

Zoological Association of America

11654 Plaza America Dr, Suite 309

Reston, VA 20190

Thank you for your generosity!