Zoo and Aquarium Association

Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA)
Founded1991
TypeNational not-for-profit organisation
FocusZoo and aquarium accreditation and advocacy
Location
Area served
Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific
MethodAccreditation
Websitezooaquarium.org.au

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Australasia was established in 1991. Its vision[1] is to create "Positive Outcomes for Wildlife and People."

The organisation operates throughout the Australasia region (Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific).

Wildlife conservation

Under the ZAA's Species Management Program[2] member institutions co-operate to plan and manage the populations of wildlife they hold in ways that improve their sustainability and their conservation value.

The ZAA's Wildlife Conservation Fund[3] provides critical funding to projects that aim to protect and conserve threatened species in the wild.

The ZAA holds workshops, meetings and conferences for zoo and aquarium specialists.

As an association, ZAA brings its members together to facilitate shared knowledge and continuous improvement in conservation, welfare, biosecurity, science, research, social and community programs.

Accreditation Program

Using the Five Domains Model,[4] ZAA grants accreditation to zoos and aquariums that demonstrate a commitment to positive animal welfare.

Australian state and territory laws require zoos and aquariums to meet minimum standards for animal welfare.[5] In New Zealand, these standards are enforced by the federal government under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.[6] The ZAA Accreditation Program aims to raise the animal welfare standards of accredited zoos and aquariums to surpass existing legal standards.[7]

Capacity building for zoos and aquariums

ZAA acts as a focal point for unifying the efforts of zoos and aquariums in contributing to wildlife conservation. ZAA publishes news, guidelines and management plans for zoos and aquariums.

Governance and Operations

The ZAA is overseen by a Board[8] elected by its members. ZAA's headquarters are located in Sydney, Australia and are hosted by Taronga Zoo. The ZAA office is hosted by Wellington Zoo in New Zealand.

Membership

The ZAA offers a number of different membership options.[9]

  • Regional zoo/aquarium membership
  • International zoo/aquarium subscriber
  • Business membership
  • Individual membership

Notes

  1. ^ "The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Australasia Strategic Plan" (PDF). zooaquarium.org.au. Zoo and Aquarium Association. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  2. ^ "The Australasian Species Management Program (ASMP)". zooaquarium.org.au. Zoo and Aquarium Association. Retrieved 26 April 2011.
  3. ^ "About the WCC". zooaquarium.org.au. Zoo and Aquarium Association. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  4. ^ Mellor, David (2017). "Operational Details of the Five Domains Model and Its Key Applications to the Assessment and Management of Animal Welfare". www.mdpi.com. 7 (8). MDPI Open Access Journals: 60. doi:10.3390/ani7080060. PMC 5575572. PMID 28792485. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  5. ^ "Zoos". www.dcceew.gov.au. DCCEEW. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  6. ^ "Animal Welfare Act 1999". www.legislation.govt.nz. New Zealand Legislation. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  7. ^ "Accreditation Program". zooaquarium.org.au. Zoo and Aquarium Association. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  8. ^ "Board of management". zooaquarium.org.au. Zoo and Aquarium Association. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  9. ^ "Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA)". zooaquarium.org.au. Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia. Retrieved 1 October 2024.

References

  • Mellor DJ (2017) Operational Details of the Five Domains Model and Its Key Applications to the Assessment and Management of Animal Welfare Animals.; 7(8):60. doi:10.3390/ani7080060