Zoos & Aquariums : A Research Guide: Home

The mission of The American Association of Zoo Keepers is to advance excellence in the animal keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life.

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums provides its members with the services, high standards, best practices and program coordination to be leaders in animal welfare, public engagement, and the conservation of species.

Using compelling, relevant content, the Academy immerses learners in the subject matter, presents challenging and thought-provoking material, and guides learners in a creative and engaging manner as they build professional skills. The Academy makes learning available anytime, from anywhere, in an effort to reduce time, travel, and other barriers that can restrict access. Individuals can learn at their own pace, test their skills, gauge their progress, save their learning history, and review course materials as often as they like. Learners will be actively engaged in their own professional development, in an environment that incorporates cutting-edge technologies, interactive experiences, and connections with both instructors and peers. Subject-matter experts from top institutions, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Birmingham Zoo, Lowry Park Zoo, National Zoo, Reid Park Zoo, and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, have joined together to create the wide variety of courses offered within the Academy, from Animal Care, Education, and Volunteer Training to Human Resources, Horticulture, and Operations, plus more. By offering the highest-quality learning products, the Academy will help learners gain knowledge and confidence as they expand their professional skills.

The goal of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums is to guide, encourage and support the zoos, aquariums and like-minded organisations of the world in animal care and welfare, environmental education and global conservation.