Zoological Association of America

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Zoological Association of America

ZAA is a non-profit, membership-based accrediting organization. linktr.ee/zooassociation

10/06/2026

Did You Know? 👀

Professional Fellow Members have additional opportunities to participate, lead, and shape the future of ZAA.

See what’s included in a Professional Fellow Membership!

Learn more: https://zooassociation.org/memberships

10/05/2026

🚨 Meet the experts joining us for important conversations on animal welfare, safety, and preparedness at the 2026 ZAA Annual Conference!

At the 2026 ZAA Annual Conference, hear from industry professionals Cassie Malina, Leah Chambers, Julia Wilder, and Morgan Agostini as they share insights on animal training and husbandry, risk management, disaster preparedness, and emergency response.

📍 New Orleans | November 9–13, 2026

We’ll see you there!

10/01/2026

📖 The September 2026 issue of the ZAA Magazine is here!

Dive into the latest issue for stories highlighting wildlife conservation, animal care and management, research, and the work being done across the zoological community.

Read the digital edition on the Professional Development page of the ZAA website, or view the issue directly here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/bslrb/kdas/ =1

A special thank you to all of the authors and contributors who shared their knowledge, expertise, and experiences in this issue. We hope you enjoy exploring the September edition!

09/30/2026

We’re looking for conference volunteers to help make this year’s conference in New Orleans a success! Volunteering is a great way to connect with fellow attendees, contribute to the conference experience, and get more involved with ZAA.

Earn rewards along the way — including the opportunity to earn FREE conference admission!

Interested in volunteering? Check out the Volunteer Program Guide to see available opportunities and register today!

📖 View the Volunteer Program Guide: https://online.fliphtml5.com/bslrb/qrpj/ or visit the ZAA website at zooassociation.org/upcoming-conferences

📍 New Orleans, LA | November 9–13, 2026

We’d love to have you on the team!

09/29/2026

ZAA actively engages in legislative and regulatory advocacy on issues affecting zoological facilities.

Want to see what that looks like in action?

Explore ZAA’s submitted comments and advocacy efforts on our website.

Explore ZAA’s advocacy efforts → zooassociation.org/advocacy-in-action
Learn more about ZAA Government Affairs → zooassociation.org/government-affairs

09/28/2026

You're not navigating alone!

Heading to New Orleans for your first ZAA Annual Conference? The Conference Navigator Program is here to help you feel welcome, make connections, and get the most out of your conference experience!

First-time attendees: Become a Conference Explorer and connect with an experienced Navigator.
Experienced attendees: Become a Conference Navigator and help make someone’s first ZAA conference a great one!

Ready to get involved? Learn more in Basecamp or email [email protected]

09/23/2026

🎤 MEET THE EXPERTS BEHIND THIS YEAR’S ANIMAL TRAINING SESSIONS!

This week, get to know:

🌟 T.V. Joe Layng - PhD Adjunct Professor and Doctoral Advisor, Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, Endicott College
🌟 Barbara Heidenreich – Animal Training and Behavior Consultant, Animal Training Fundamentals
🌟 Sharon Clay – Curator of Animals, Turtle Bay Exploration Park

From animal behavior and training to improving welfare, these speakers are bringing valuable insights and expertise to this year’s conference.

Learn more about each speaker and their presentations at zooassociation.org!

📍 New Orleans, LA
📅 November 9–13, 2026

09/22/2026

📣 New resource for ZAA members!

The 2026 edition of the Ambassador Animal Suggested Best Practices is now available. This 23-page resource provides suggestions and guidance for any animal acting as an ambassador—supporting animal welfare, suggested training and presentation practices, and the safety of animals, staff, and guests.

Whether you are developing a new ambassador animal program or refining an established one, the guide offers practical ideas, explains the thinking behind the practices, and provides a shared reference for team members at every experience level.

ZAA members can find it in Basecamp:
Animal Training Committee → Public Resources folder

Resource provided by the ZAA Animal Training Committee.

Address

11654 Plaza America Drive #309
Reston, VA
20190

Telephone

+19416212021

Website

https://zooassociation.org/

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