The Zoological Association of America was formed in February 2005 for
the purpose of promoting conservation, preservation, and propagation of
animals in both private and public domains.
The ZAA has individual
membership categories of associate and professional. There are
facility and commercial
memberships. We also have an accreditation program for facilities.
History of ZAA
In February 2005, the United Zoological
Association (UZA) and the International Society of Zooculturists (ISZ)
united to form the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). ISZ
began in 1987 focusing on "animals only" related issues while UZA began
in 2000 and also focused on animal related issues. ISZ and UZA
were initiated by people from both the private and public sector.
While each originally had individual and institutional members, ISZ\'s
membership was primarily individuals, and UZA membership was primarily
institutions. In fact, UZA initiated an accreditation program fin
2002 for both private and public institutional members.
Subsequently, in 2002, the two organizations began holding joint annual
meetings and discussions began on how ISZ and UZA might better serve
their respective memberships by joining as a single organization.
After holding their respective annual meetings jointly for three years,
the two organizations agreed to meet in February 2005 for the purpose of
formal unification of ISZ and UZA. ZAA is the result of that
meeting, as both ISZ and UZA ceased to exist. Since joining forces
as ZAA, this organization has grown significantly. Prominent new
members and numerous important programs have been added and are being
put into place. Theses include bylaws, animal facility guidelines,
accreditation guidelines, and an animal surplus list - to mention a few.