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.

2025 ZAA Semi-Annual Meeting and Professional Development Workshops

(Mid-Year Conference)

February 11-14 | Registration is open!

Click here to register and learn more!

Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 ZAA Conservation Initiatives Grants

Do you have a game-changing conservation project in mind? ZAA is proud to support innovative initiatives that drive species conservation, habitat preservation, and biodiversity enhancement.

Application Window: January 1, 2025 – April 15, 2025

Grant Amount: Up to $5,000 per project

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

70 + 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 70+ accredited facilities providing education, conservation, and recreational experiences to their communities

Professional Development

Magazine

Webinars

Understanding How to Interact With Service Animals at the Zoo

January 15, 2025

Registration Link

Common Myths of Zoo and Wildlife Feeding

January 22, 2025

Registration Link

Keepers are the Backbone: Enhancing and Advancing an Existing Wellbeing Program

January 29, 2025

Registration Link

Events

  • 1/20-1/24 - Giraffe & Okapi Conference - Register here.

  • 1/22-1/23 - SDZWA Safe Capture Training Events - Click here for more information.

  • 2/4 - Bitesize Behaviour Series Presents: Understanding Observable Behaviour - Register here.

Job Board

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

To post a position to the Job Board, please email the job description directly to [email protected].

Latest News

Announcing Our New AMP/Conservation Committee Chair: Joel Hamilton

We are excited to introduce Joel Hamilton as the new Chair of the AMP/Conservation Committee! ...more

ZAA News

December 27, 20244 min read

Announcing Our New AMP/Conservation Committee Chair: Joel Hamilton

Clouded Leopard AMP

We’re thrilled to announce that the Clouded Leopard Animal Management Plan (AMP) has officially been approved, marking an exciting milestone for ZAA. ...more

ZAA News

December 20, 20241 min read

Clouded Leopard AMP

Donate Today

Interested in Donating to ZAA?

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

Non-members: We'd love your support!

Donate Today

Or send a check to:

Zoological Association of America

11654 Plaza America Dr, Suite 309

Reston, VA 20190

Thank you for your generosity!