What We Do
AZA members can find resources around COVID-19 here.
The AZA Government Affairs team has two major responsibilities:
- to protect and promote the legislative and regulatory interests of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, and;
- to foster effective partnership opportunities with Federal agencies and non-governmental organizations.
AZA represents the interests of the Association before the U.S. Congress and Federal agencies on matters pertaining to animal welfare, wildlife conservation field programs, conservation research, education initiatives and the public display of wildlife including animal care, transport and conservation breeding.
In this capacity, AZA works with government officials on developing rational and effective Federal legislation and regulations, analyzes the impact of legislation and regulations on AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, develops position recommendations with the AZA Government Affairs Committee and the AZA Board of Directors, and fosters partnerships with Federal agencies and other conservation and animal welfare organizations in order to pursue mutual goals.
AZA actively participates in the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species. AZA also assists with state legislative and regulatory matters as requested by AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.