Advocacy in Action
See how ZAA is making an impact.
ZAA is committed to advocating for its members, wildlife, and the zoological community. Through Capitol Hill meetings, policy briefings, partnerships with conservation organizations, and on-the-ground initiatives, we work to influence policy, raise awareness, and drive meaningful change. Explore our recent events and programs to see how ZAA is making an impact.
ZAA Participates in ICCF Conservation Council Luncheon on Capitol Hill
The Zoological Association of America (ZAA) was proud to be represented at the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) Conservation Council Luncheon, held in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. ZAA joined the ICCF Conservation Council in late 2025, supporting its mission of advancing policy that supports both biodiversity and local communities.
Hosted annually by ICCF, the luncheon convenes bipartisan leaders from the International Conservation Caucus and the Oceans Caucus, along with members of the Conservation Council. Attendees included several U.S. Senators and Representatives who serve as Caucus Co-Chairs, such as Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Boozman (R-AR), Chris Coons (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), as well as Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and Betty McCollum (D-MN). Each shared remarks highlighting bipartisan priorities for advancing U.S. leadership in international conservation, as well as the connections between conservation, sustainable development, and global stability.
During the event, ZAA’s Government Affairs Consultant, Tom Albert, had the opportunity to briefly address attendees on behalf of ZAA. He highlighted ZAA’s accredited facilities and professional membership, as well as the collective conservation impact of ZAA members through funding, grants, and on-the-ground efforts supporting species and habitats worldwide.
The luncheon served as an important opportunity to strengthen relationships, reinforce shared conservation priorities, and ensure that ZAA’s voice is included in ongoing conversations shaping conservation policy at the federal and international levels.
Quarterly Accredited Director and Owner D.C. Fly-Ins
Tom Albert and Dr. Kelly George travel to Washington, D.C., every quarter to address critical issues affecting ZAA members. They have extended an invitation to accredited facilities to join them on their D.C. fly-in, marking a valuable new benefit for these facilities.
March 4th and 5th, 2026
In March, our largest group thus far took to the Hill. Heather Price from Montgomery Zoo, Jordan Patch from Animal Adventure Park & The Preserve, Josh Mueller from Costal Wild, and Dr. Bill Rives from Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari, joined ZAA Board Members Mike Kerr from Nova Wild and Brian Braitsch from Amazing Animals, along with Tom Albert, Mindy Stinner, and Dr. Kelly George. The weather might have been gloomy, but our meetings were bright! Once again, we had a full agenda meeting with Mr. Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary of Marketing & Regulatory Programs, USDA, Bernadette Juarez, Deputy Administrator of Animal Care, USDA-APHIS and Kelly Moore, Acting Administrator, USDA-APHIS, and the offices of Rep. Gosar, Rep. Tiffany, Rep. Goldman, Rep. Figures, and Rep. Kiggans. We also met with staffers from the Senate EPW Committee, House Natural Resources Committee, Senate Ag Committee, and House Ag Committee. Our main objectives were to support the recently introduced bill, Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026, and to continue discussions regarding ESA reform. We continue to advocate for our members and industry and look forward to our next visit in April.
February 26th and 27th, 2025
February 26th & 27th, 2025 marked the 2nd official ZAA Accredited Facilities Directors & Owners quarterly D.C. Fly-In. In attendance were Charlie Sammut from Monterey Zoo in CA, Tiffany Soechting from Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in TX, ZAA Board Members, Dr. Eric Trager from Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo in TX and Matt Fouts from Tanganyika Wildlife Park in KS, Tom Albert and Dr. Kelly George. This group had a jammed-packed schedule from start to finish. The meetings included Senate and House Agriculture Majority staff, House Natural Resources Majority staff, Senate EPW Majority staff, as well as USDA/APHIS. Additionally, we met with attending ZAA participants’ Representatives, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA), Rep. Estes (KS), and Rep. Chip Roy (TX). We also included various meetings with prominent staffers and dinner with USARK representative, Phil Goss.
September 18th and 19th, 2024
In September 2024, Morgan Brown from Wildlife World Zoo and Jordan Patch from Animal Adventure Park & The Preserve accompanied Kelly, Tom, and board members Betsey Brewer Bethel, and Kayte Hogan on ZAA’s inaugural accredited directors visit to Capitol Hill. Together, they met with various committees and staffers to highlight concerns pertinent to ZAA members. Notably, they met with Ms. Sarah Helming, the new APHIS Deputy Administrator, and Dr. Mike Watson, APHIS Administrator. This meeting not only was an opportunity to meet the new Administrators, but also provided a chance for them to discuss some of the challenges ZAA members have experienced during inspections.
Western Caucus Foundation Policy Meeting & Field Tour
Earlier this month, ZAA's Executive Director Dr. Kelly George represented ZAA at the Western Caucus Field Tour. During the event, she met with several Members of Congress, including:
Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR) – Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and chief sponsor of the ESA Amendments Act.
Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY) – Co-Chair of the Zoo Caucus and sponsor of the AZA confiscation bill.
Rep. Troy Balderson (OH) – Represents the 12th Congressional District, which includes Zanesville and The Wilds.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA) – Current Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus; Turtle Bay Exploration Park is in his district.
Mark Spannagel (CA) – Chief of Staff for Rep. Doug LaMalfa.
Rep. Pete Stauber (MN) – Chair of the Mining Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee.
Discussions primarily focused on ESA reform and other key legislative priorities for the zoological community. As a sponsor of the event, ZAA’s logo was featured on both electronic and printed materials, highlighting the association’s active engagement in policy advocacy.
ZAA Contact
Email: [email protected]
Tom Albert
ZAA Government Affairs Consultant
Vanessa Gagne
ZAA Government Affairs Team Member