Animal welfare

Positive animal welfare must underpin all that we do. Learn more about animal welfare at member zoos and aquariums.

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Conservation & species programs

ZAA leads accredited zoos and aquariums to work together on conservation, threatened species recovery and breeding programs.

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Find ZAA-accredited zoos and aquariums

You can support conservation by visiting accredited zoos and aquariums. Find your local ZAA-accredited zoo, aquarium, wildlife park or sanctuary.

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The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA)

Our mission is to lead Australasian zoos and aquariums to work together to save wildlife.

As a peak body, the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) represents the collective voice of the zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries and wildlife parks across Australasia that operate to the highest standards. 

ZAA would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. In Australia, this is the Cammeraigal People of the Eora Nation and the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. In Aotearoa, this is Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika iwi.


ZAA-accredited zoo & aquariums participate in

629 conservation programs  

In a year, ZAA members funded a total of

$20.6 million AUD

for conservation programs plus

$3.1 million AUD

through in-kind support


22 million people

visit ZAA-accredited zoos and aquariums each year

HPAI Update 

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (also known as H5 bird flu) is affecting birds and mammals, both wild and domestic, across the world. On the 19th of June 2026, Australia had its first detection of H5N1bird flu on the coast of southern Western Australia. New Zealand also had it's first detection on the 15th of July 2026 in Wellington

Both countries have been working on preparedness for some time and has been able to respond quickly to this H5 bird flu incursion to help protect wildlife and communities.

 ZAA member zoos and aquariums have been preparing for the virus' introduction into the Australasian region, working with government bodies, veterinarians and other experts on biosecurity plans for zoos, aquariums and wildlife hospitals. 

In Australia: If you see a single or group of sick or dead wildlife, you should:

  • Avoid contact and keep your distance.
  • Record the date, time, location and take photos.
  • Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

In New Zealand: If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 from anywhere in New Zealand. Don't handle or move the birds 

 

A proud member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

     

 

Our Strategy

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) is currently working to a five-year strategy to enable us to lead Australasian zoos and aquariums to work together to save wildlife by inspiring best practice in conservation and welfare with support from government and community.

Download ZAA Strategy