ZAA’s New Government Affairs Page

The Zoological Association of America (ZAA) is proud to announce the launch of a Government Affairs page, a comprehensive resource dedicated to informing and engaging our members and the public on legislative and regulatory matters impacting the zoological community.

You can view this page here: https://zooassociation.org/government-affairs

Advocating for Legislation

The Government Affairs page provides detailed analyses and ZAA's positions on various federal and state legislative initiatives. Each entry includes the name of the bill, a brief description, ZAA’s submitted comments, and a direct link to the bill text—making it easy for users to understand the issue and ZAA's stance.

Engaging with Federal Agencies

ZAA actively collaborates with federal agencies such as the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Notably, ZAA has submitted comments regarding the USFWS's proposed listing of several giraffe species under the Endangered Species Act. The comments emphasize the importance of recognizing the substantial captive-bred giraffe population in the U.S. and the potential implications for zoological facilities that are already making great strides in protecting and propagating giraffes.

Addressing State Legislation

ZAA's advocacy extends to state-level legislation that affects ZAA members. In California, ZAA opposed AB 892, a bill prohibiting public contact with specific species, arguing that it imposes arbitrary and unreasonable restrictions. Similarly, in Nevada, ZAA commented on AB 136, which mandates signage for commercial establishments offering public interaction with live animals, ensuring that our members' perspectives are considered in legislative processes. ZAA continues providing comments to support its members in all states, reinforcing its commitment to representing their national interests.

Facilitating Member Engagement

To foster direct engagement between ZAA members and policymakers, ZAA organizes quarterly fly-ins to Washington, D.C., inviting accredited facility directors and owners to join them. These events offer opportunities to discuss critical issues with legislative staff and federal agencies, enhancing the visibility and influence of ZAA members in shaping policies that affect the zoological industry.

We invite all members to explore ZAA's Government Affairs page to stay informed about ongoing legislative developments and ZAA's advocacy efforts. Your involvement is crucial in promoting responsible legislation that supports animal welfare, conservation, and the interests of the zoological community.

For more information and to access our Government Affairs resources, please visit: https://zooassociation.org/government-affairs