The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. is a U.S. 501c(3) non-profit volunteer association which provides resources to animal care workers, whether they be volunteers or professionals, for training, professional development, and conservation. It does this through publications, conferences, chapter activities, and online resources.

History

The American Association of Zoo Keepers was first organized in San Diego in 1967 to promote professionalism in zookeeping by educating zoo staff in the latest techniques of animal care at zoos and aquariums.

Members include institutions and zoo professionals at all levels from directors down to volunteers and students. By 2010, the AAZK had about 2800 members in 48 U.S. states, 5 Canadian provinces, and 24 other countries. In 2008, Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums was founded in 1924 and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and public aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation.The AZA headquarters is located in Silver...

 (AZA) President and CEO Jim Maddy claimed that animal care workers in the approximately 200 AZA accredited zoos and aquariums were caring for over 700,000 animals.

Purpose

AAZK’s encourages animal keepers to become active members of the professional teams at today’s zoos and aquariums, and supports the promotion and implementation of zoo keeper education. It also promotes public awareness of the need for preservation of our natural resources and animal life.

Communication and education

AAZK publishes the monthly Animal Keepers’ Forum, as well as AAZK National Conference Proceedings, Zoo and Aquarium Professionals, and The Resource for Crisis Management in Zoos and Other Animal Care Facilities.

Other educational opportunities provided by the AAZK to include conferences and chapter activities at local zoos, which let keepers exchange ideas and discuss new methods of care, behavioral observations, and other information.

Committees

AAZK committees are intended to help promote AAZK and the Zoo Keepers’ role in conservation education. Standing committees include committees for conferences, awards, behavioral husbandry, bylaws, conservation, ethics, grants, membership, and professional development.

Fundraising

The AAZK also raises funds for conservations efforts. Its biggest fundraiser is its annual "Bowling for Rhinos," with about 100 participating chapters, which has raised over $3 million since 1990 for rhino conservation. Beneficiaries of the fundraiser include the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is located in northern Kenya. It was formed in 1995. It is a wildlife sanctuary incorporating the Ngare Ndare Forest and covering over . The Conservancy is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the rare and endangered black rhino, Grevy’s zebra and sitatunga...

 in Kenya and the Ujung Kulon

Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park is located at the western-most tip of Java, Banten, Indonesia. It includes the volcanic island group of Krakatoa and other islands including Panaitan, Handeuleum and Peucang on the Sunda Strait.-Geography:...

, Bukit Barisan Selatan

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park is a national park in Sumatra, Indonesia. The park has a total area of 3,568 km², and spans three provinces: Lampung, Bengkulu, and South Sumatra...

, and Way Kambas

Way Kambas National Park

Way Kambas National Park is a national park covering 1,300 square kilometres in Lampung province, southern Sumatra, Indonesia.It consists of swamp forest and lowland rain forest, mostly of secondary growth as result of extensive logging in the 1960s and 1970s...

 national parks in Indonesia. Funds used to protect rhino habitats are also beneficial to other species including elephant

Elephant

Elephants are large land mammals in two extant genera of the family Elephantidae: Elephas and Loxodonta, with the third genus Mammuthus extinct...

s, cheetah

Cheetah

The cheetah is a large-sized feline inhabiting most of Africa and parts of the Middle East. The cheetah is the only extant member of the genus Acinonyx, most notable for modifications in the species' paws...

s, Grevy’s zebras, Malayan tiger

Malayan Tiger

The Malayan tiger is a tiger subspecies that inhabits the southern and central parts of the Malay Peninsula and has been classified as endangered by IUCN in 2008 as the population was estimated at 493 to 1,480 adult individuals in 2003; none of the three subpopulations likely harbors more than 250...

s, sun bears, and tapirs

Malayan Tapir

The Malayan Tapir , also called the Asian Tapir, is the largest of the four species of tapir and the only one native to Asia. The scientific name refers to the East Indies, the species' natural habitat...

, and Javan gibbons.