WAZA | World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

World’s leading zoos and aquariums

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, dedicated to the care and conservation of animals and their habitats around the world.

World’s leading zoos and aquariums

400 members
around the world

WAZA promotes cooperation between leading zoos, aquariums, national and regional associations, as well as with leading wildlife experts, academies, and universities. WAZA provides support for species-conservation management and husbandry of animals in human care, while encouraging the highest standards in member institutions.

Become a member

WAZA accepts membership applications in four categories: associations, institutions, affiliates and corporations. WAZA members must be committed to the principles of the global zoo and aquarium community.

Become a member

The unifying organisation for the world's leading zoos and aquariums

WAZA is the voice of a global community of high‑standard, conservation‑based zoos and aquariums and a catalyst for their joint conservation action.

Announcing the New and Improved WAZA Website

Announcing the New and Improved WAZA Website Date: 11/04/2019 The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has recently launched a new website that combines ease and efficiency with a clean, fresh look that emphasises the association’s commitment to conservation,

Raising Awareness about Illegal Wildlife Trade Takes to the Skies

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has partnered with United Nations (UN) Environment to help raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade. The unique programme, which was launched on World Wildlife Day on 3 March, provides kids packs to young fliers on Kenyan Airways flights.

WAZA’s Open Letter Regarding Barcelona City Council’s Zoo Decision

The Barcelona City Council on 14 February gave initial approval to an amendment that aims to severely regulate the Barcelona Zoo, reducing the institution down to 11 species and calling for the transfer or relocation of the nearly 2,000 animals that remain to sanctuaries or rescue centres. The amendment also requires Barcelona Zoo to resign from all national and international membership associations, including WAZA. Below is WAZA’s open letter: 

Getting Better All the Time: Making All the Difference in the World Starts with One Thought or Idea, One Action, and One Animal

In devoting our lives to working on continuously improving animal welfare—and endeavouring to do so across the caring zoological profession (in zoos and aquariums) and throughout the world—we remain mindful of the starting place for such positive change.

ZIMS for Care and Welfare

The ZIMS for Care and Welfare project has been launched and is now live in ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System). The module is a collaborative effort between Species360 and an experienced team of animal welfare experts from many WAZA member institutions, as well as WAZA Director of Animal Welfare, Sabrina Brando.

Dr Jane Goodall to Deliver Keynote Address at WAZA Conference

Conservationist, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, will deliver a keynote address at the upcoming 73rdWorld Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Annual conference, in Bangkok, Thailand, in October.

WAZA Office Relocation

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) embarked on a new phase in its 83-year history this week with the relocation of the Executive Office to Barcelona, Spain. WAZA had been based in Gland, Switzerland, since 2010.

Hornbill Expert to Deliver Keynote Address at WAZA Conference

Prominent Thai conservationist Pilai Poonswad, will reflect on 40 years of hornbill conservation in a keynote address at the upcoming 73rd WAZA Annual Conference, in Bangkok, Thailand, in October.

Zoos and aquariums are the third largest funder of conservation globally

WAZA and its members are committed to inspire and engage the more than 700 million people who visit zoos and aquariums every year – literally one-tenth of the world’s population – to take action for the conservation of species and nature.

Zoos and aquariums are the third largest funder of conservation globally

Dedicated to change

WAZA and its members are committed to important goals regarding the environment and sustainability, and are engaged in issues of conservation and battling the illegal trade in wildlife like never before. Read WAZA’s 2017 annual report to find out more.