ZAA policies

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) has policies, position statements and guidelines in place to detail what the Association considers acceptable conduct, practices and positions at member zoos and aquariums. ZAA documents are available to download below including policies, which details rules governing the membership and position statements, which provide the Association's position on responsible zoo and aquarium operations.

Additional policies are available to members in the ZAA Portal. If you are employed by a member organisation or have an individual membership, please log in to access these documents.

ZAA Constitution

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Constitution lays out the general rules governing the Association, it's members and subscribers.

ZAA Strategy 2023-25

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Strategy documents the five-year strategic plan for ZAA as an organisation, as well as our vision and mission.

ZAA Animal Welfare Policy

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Animal Welfare Policy establishes a contemporary understanding of animal welfare and encourages zoos and aquariums to promote good animal welfare (Positive Welfare) within member organisations.

ZAA Accreditation Policy

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Accreditation Policy details the method for maintaining certified status and preparing the membership for Accreditation through the ZAA Accreditation Program.

ZAA Regional Species Planning & Management Policy

The Zoo and Aquarium Association's (ZAA) Regional Species Planning & Management (SPM) Policy details the rules governing the SMP, including regional collection planning and member commitments.

ZAA SMP Animal Transfer Policy

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Animal Transfer Policy establishes an effective, accountable and transparent framework for managing animal Transfers to which an Association member and other parties.

ZAA Code of Conduct

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Code of Conduct outlines the standard of conduct required by the Association of all Applicable Persons.

ZAA Complaints Management Policy

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Complaints Management Policy aims to promote best practice, and encourage ethical and professional practice and conduct by all Applicable Persons.

ZAA Member Policy

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Member Policy defines the eligibility for Members and Subscribers of the Association, the membership and subscription categories with corresponding benefits, services and fees.

Honorary Associate Policy

This policy document covers the conferral of the Honorary Associate title.

Board Composition Policy

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Board Composition Policy articulates how members are represented on the ZAA Board, who they represent and how those positions are appointed..

ZAA Animal Visitor Interactions Position Statement

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Animal Visitor Interactions Position Statement outlines what the Association considers acceptable and unacceptable during interactions between visitors and animals at zoos and aquariums.

ZAA Elephants in Australasian Zoos Position Statement

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Elephants in Australasian Zoos Position Statement details how all ZAA-accredited zoos that care for elephants have collectively agreed to provide elephants with a safe, socially appropriate, secure, comfortable and stimulating environment.

ZAA Responsible Palm Oil Position Statement

The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Responsible Palm Oil Position Statement outlines the Association’s position on addressing the threat of deforestation currently resulting from increasing demand for unsustainable palm oil.