ORGANIZATIONWhere is the organization based?The organization is based in Florida. What is the mailing address?The mailing address for ZAA is P.O. Box 511275, Punta Gorda, FL 33951-1275. What is ZAA's office phone and fax number?The office phone number is (941) 621-2021. How long has it been in operation?The United Zoological Association (UZA) and the International Society of Zooculturists (ISZ) merged in February 2005 to form ZAA. What motivated the development of ZAA?The United Zoological Association (UZA) and the International Society of Zooculturists (ISZ) realized they had similar goals and a united front would benefit their members as well as give them a stronger voice in Washington. What makes ZAA different than other animal-related support organizations like ZAA?ZAA is an advocate for the private sector, unlike most counterparts. We also offer a more personalized membership by minimizing bureaucratic interference -- this ties into our accreditation process. We stand behind responsible and professional animal practices. Therefore, our accreditation process relies heavily on the actual facility and animal care and less on the personal finances of the owners. We are also taking a proactive approach to legislation, with a growing voice, to support issues important to our members. Our ultimate goal is to be recognized by the governing authorities in all states. BOARDWho are the current board members and what are their roles?Link to ZAA Board of Directors MEMBERSHIPWhat are the membership categories, membership requirements and membership benefits?What is the cost of being a ZAA member?How often must I renew my ZAA membership?Each membership must be renewed one year from when you became a member - on your membership anniversary date. Does ZAA accept members from abroad?Yes, ZAA presently has members from several countries. How often does the membership meet?ZAA has an annual conference in the fall of each year with registration open to all. How are dues or funds collected by ZAA spent?Fees and funds collected by ZAA are spent for the day-to-day operation and advancement of ZAA, legislative efforts, our quarterly newsletter, and any other expenses related to membership support or recruitment. What are the steps involved in becoming a member?First, click on the "Membership" link at the top of the page. Second, select the appropriate membership category and click on "application." Third, follow the instructions to fill out and submit the application. How can I become more involved in ZAA?You can become involved in ZAA by attending the annual conference, giving a presentation at the annual conference, writing an article for the newsletter, serving on a committee, submitting your facility or legislative news for the newsletter, etc. Can a member be dropped, and if so, in what circumstances?Yes. You may lose your membership by failing to pay your annual dues. The Board of Directors may cancel your membership for failing to uphold the ZAA standards or objectives. ACCREDITATIONHow does being accredited benefit me?Becoming an Accredited facility with ZAA shows that you routinely provide more than the minimum standard of animal care as required by the United States Department of Agriculture. It assists governing officials in their measurement and interpretation of animal husbandry practices as defined by law. An Accredited ZAA facility provides exemplary animal care. How long is a ZAA Accreditation good for?An accreditation expires after five (5) years and then the facility must get reaccredited. If a facility was to ever change its location, the accreditation is immediately terminated and the facility at its new location must reapply for accreditation. Is mentoring available before I go through the accreditation process?Absolutely. We are more than happy to assign a mentor to you prior to having our inspection team evaluate your facility for accreditation. This helps answer any of your specific inspection questions regarding our standards and guidelines. Please call (813) 449-4356 to request a mentor. How do I apply for Accreditation and what are the steps?First, your facility must join ZAA at either the Public, Private or Educational level. After your facility has been accepted you may apply for accreditation. Link to ZAA Accreditation Page My facility is currently an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) or Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) accredited member, does that mean it is automatically accredited with ZAA?To be considered ZAA accredited, your facility must first apply for ZAA facility membership (Private, Public or Educational). Upon facility membership approval, you should request an application for ZAA accreditation. The application fee for accreditation is non-refundable at $200. Along with your ZAA accreditation application, you must submit your latest accreditation report from either AZA or CAZA (whichever organization your facility is accredited with) to be considered for ZAA accreditation. If my facility loses its Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) or Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) accreditation, does it automatically lose its ZAA accreditation, too?We will evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, we may not agree with AZA's or CAZA's reasons for termination. In the event that occurs, we ask that you let us know so we can reevaluate. Do I have to be a member to request an accreditation inspection?Yes, your facility must be a current member of ZAA. NEWSLETTERHow often is the membership newsletter distributed?ZAA has a quarterly newsletter called the “ZAA Newsletter & Journal.” There are four issues per year; distributed in the spring, summer, fall and winter. Can I submit an article for the newsletter?Of course! All ZAA members of all categories are encouraged to submit articles and/or photos to the Newsletter & Journal. Can I advertise in the newsletter? Most definitely. The ZAA Newsletter & Journal is a 16-page, full color publication and we currently offer three different advertisement sizes: full page, half page and quarter page. Our full page advertisements are $200; half page ads are $100; and quarter page ads are $50 each. Please contact our administrative office at (813) 449-4356 or contact us by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested. Are back issues of the Newsletter & Journal available?Yes, all back issues and articles of the Newsletter & Journal are available upon request. In 1988, before the International Society of Zooculturists (ISZ) united with the United Zoological Association (UZA) to form ZAA, ISZ formed the Newsletter & Journal. The Newsletter & Journal was printed quarterly each year since 1988 until 2005 when the organization became ZAA for a total of 18 volumes and 67 issues. The Newsletter & Journal came back refashioned in the fall of 2007 and has been running quarterly since then. These back issues hold invaluable information from world-renown animal experts from around the country. If interested in obtaining any of these past issues, please call the ZAA office at (813) 449-4356 or contact by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . They may be purchased for $10 each and all proceeds will go to the professional development of ZAA. CONFERENCES/MEETINGSWho plans the conferences?ZAA has a conference committee that is responsible for the planning and coordination of each conference. A host institution will control the development of the conference in their respective cities. How do I join the conference committee? We are glad to hear you want to join. Please contact the administrative office to sign up. I am interested or know somebody who would be interested in presenting at the conference. Who do I contact? Fantastic! Please contact the administrative office to share your information. How often do conferences take place and who can attend?ZAA hosts annual conferences in the fall and they are open to everyone. Who do I call to register for conferences?Contact information will be posted on our website and in our quarterly Newsletter & Journal regarding each conference. CONTACTSWho do I call regarding my membership or any other questions? What about comments or suggestions?You can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (941) 621-2021. |