The Age of Enlightenment in Europe was an intellectual and philosophical movement in the 17th and 18th century during which new ideas and world views were developed. To satisfy the curiosity of the intellectuals research on many topics was initiated, including animals. This surge for intellectual and scientific progress, fundamentally changed the interaction of mankind with the natural world. It was during this era that the concept of the zoological garden (the zoo) became more than merely a public spectacle. There was more attention for the study and conservation of animals and nature in general. These type of zoos were first established in Europe in the late 18th century, with Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Vienna Zoo) as the world’s oldest extant zoo. The zoo was founded in 1752 by Emperor Franz I and his wife Maria Theresa, and initially part of the imperial menagerie at Schönbrunn Palace, intended for the scientific study of the animal kingdom. Another old still existing zoo driven by scientific curiosity is the Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes in Paris, established in 1793. London followed in the next century when the Zoological Society of London established London Zoo in 1826, and opened its gates to the public in 1828. This marked a significant evolution in the concept of zoos, because unlike its predecessors, London Zoo was established with a clear scientific mandate.
Many cities in Europe and North America followed by establishing their own zoo, responding to people’s growing fascination with exotic places and animal, and often inspired by the model of London Zoo. Hence, the role of the zoo altered, and the zoo became a place where education, research, and leisure converged, allowing people from all backgrounds to engage with and learn about nature, specifically the animal world.
At the beginning of the 20th century it became clear that a dramatic number of species was decreasing in the wild. This raised concern about the need to protect and conserve the planet’s biodiversity. Unfortunately, the still increasing number of zoos needed exotic animals urgently, while these exotic species often died in captivity without producing offspring. Therefore, wild animal traders sourced their animals in the wild. This had to change.
So, after the devastating period during both world wars, zoos began to shift their focus from mere exhibition to conservation and education. This marked the beginning of ethical considerations, for the first time in the history of zoos. From that moment on zoos started to work together, developed captive breeding programmes and the first steps in educating zoo visitors. Expansion of co-operation in various fields required co-ordination, which led to the establishment of several regional and eventually a global association of zoos and aquariums.
Part of the mission of contemporary self-respecting zoos consists of: supporting in-situ conservation with donations (zoo revenues) or in-kind efforts (local projects), and raising public awareness about endangered species via education. This is in my opinion, even more than via ex-situ conservation, how zoological parks can make an effective contribution to nature conservation and biological diversity from a pragmatic and a scientific perspective. Although protection of endangered species as well as viable habitats are needed, a viable habitat in the wild sustains much more than just an individual species that can be reintroduced in the wild. It is the entire ecosystem that counts and must benefit.
Global Leadership: WAZA as the Umbrella organisation
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) serves as the global alliance of regional zoo and aquarium associations, national federations, and individual institutions. Its mission is to coordinate and promote care and conservation of animals and their habitats worldwide, ensuring that zoos and aquariums act as unified forces for biodiversity protection.
Global co-ordination: WAZA provides a framework for regional associations (such as AZA, EAZA, EARAZA, JAZA) to align their conservation strategies with international goals, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the IUCN Global Species Action Plan.
Conservation Strategies: WAZA’s “Committing to Conservation” strategy and Global Species Management Plans (GSMPs) guide regional programmes in maintaining genetically diverse ex-situ populations, supporting in-situ conservation, and fostering public engagement.
Advocacy and Education: WAZA leads global conservation education initiatives, such as the Social Change for Conservation strategy, and advocates for policy changes to protect wildlife and habitats.
Regional Associations: Similar Goals, Distinct Approaches
Regional zoo associations share WAZA’s overarching goals but differ in structure, scope, and specific programmes. Below is a comparison of the major regional associations and their conservation efforts:
AAWHC
African Association for Wildlife in Human Care
- Region: Africa
- Founding year: 2025
- Mission: Aims for all African zoos, aquaria, and like-minded facilities holding wild animals in human care to become effective and credible centres of animal welfare, conservation, public education and environmental study.
- Key Activities:
- Focuses on accreditation and improving standards for wildlife in human care.
- Promotes responsible population management and animal collection plans that ensure a sustainable and viable animal populations.
- Be actively involved in the protection, management, and/or rehabilitation of wild species and ecosystems, either in situ or ex situ.
- Distinct Features:
- Emphasis on credibility and effectiveness in wildlife management.
- Encourages environmentally responsible behaviour among zoo visitors and surrounding communities, including schools.
ALPZA
Asociación Latinoamericana de Parques Zoológicos y Acuarios
- Region: Latin America
- Founding year: 1990
- Mission: Promotes the wellbeing of wild animals and biodiversity conservation by fostering the excellence of the members regarding animal welfare and environmental education.
- Key Activities:
- Conservation Projects: 40 certified projects across 11 countries.
- Community Impact: Focuses on collaborative work to protect biodiversity and promote environmental education.
- Collaboration: Strengthening the union between zoos, aquariums and rescue centres to build a more sustainable future for life on the planet. Encourages continuous improvement in member institutions through a set of standards.
- Distinct Features:
- Emphasizes community transformation and regional positioning.
Targeted rescue and rehabilitation programmes grant individual animals, that have suffered from confiscation, accidents, or abuse, a second chance.
AZA
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
- Region: United States of America (but several zoos & aquariums outside USA are accredited as well, like in Canada, South America and Asia)
- Founding year: 1924
- Mission: Serves members in advancing animal well-being, public engagement, and the conservation of wildlife and wild places, setting the global standard of excellence.
- Key Activities:
- SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction): A collective effort to leverage the expertise of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to save species.
- Species Survival Plans (SSPs): Manages currently (2026) via corresponding Taxon Advisory Groups nearly 300 ex situ species populations, using a population Studbook and a Breeding and Transfer Plan to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied AZA population.
- Field conservation: with dedicated reintroduction programmes in situ animal populations that have suffered significant declines are stabilized, reestablished, or increased.
- Wildlife Trafficking Alliance: Works to reduce and eliminate illegal wildlife trade.
- Distinct Features:
- Support (field) conservation projects globally with an extensive programme of conservation funding sources, such as the Conservation Grants Fund.
- Embrace inclusiveness and diversity as a guiding principle, creating a welcoming environment that is accessible to all.
EARAZA
Eurasian Regional Association of Zoos and Aquariums
- Region: Eurasia (Central Asia, Russia, including institutional members in China, Korea, Europe, The Middle East and South America)
- Founding year: 1994
- Mission: Strengthens ties and co-operation between zoos, aquariums, breeding centres, and other relevant organizations while at the same time building bridges between continents and cultures to promote biodiversity conservation, educational, scientific and recreational activities.
- Key Activities:
- Co-operation: Strengthening the collaboration among zoos, aquariums, and related organisations in the Euro-Asian region.
- Ex situ breeding programmes: Conservation and management of captive populations of endangered and rare animal species. When necessary, participation in species reintroduction projects.
- Focus on species conservation, sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and maintaining the positive welfare of captive animals.
- Emphasis on education and scientific activities.
- Distinct Features:
- Focuses on regional collaboration and cultural exchange.
Co-operate with governmental and public organisations as well as international institutions and groups on issues associated with EARAZA activities.
EAZA
European Association of Zoos and Aquariums
- Region: Europe, Middle East, North Africa (including accreditation of zoos or institutions in western Asia and beyond, such as New Zealand, North America, South America and the Middle East)
- Founding year: 1992
- Mission: Sets the standard for the members (progressive zoos and aquariums). Demonstrates excellence in integrated species conservation through a transparent and collaborative approach to population management, wild animal care and welfare, representation with international organisations, conservation education, and scientific research.
- Key Activities:
- EAZA Ex-situ programmes (EEPs): Co-operative population management programmes for threatened species. By keeping the captive animal populations demographically stable and genetically diverse, opportunities to contribute to conservation efforts are enhanced.
- Field Conservation: Besides actively engage in in situ conservation projects of threatened species in their natural habitat, also run joint campaigns with focused initiatives to raise awareness and channel funds towards addressing major conservation challenges of species and ecosystem decline.
- Public Engagement: High standards in visitor education and advocacy, often aligned with European biodiversity policies.
- Distinct Features:
- Strong integration with European biodiversity policies and EU-funded projects.
- The EAZA Biobank stores biological samples collected from animals in EAZA zoos and aquariums, and their wild counterparts, making them available for scientific research to support conservation.
JAZA
Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums
- Region: Japan
- Founding year: 1939
- Mission: Focuses on species conservation, public awareness campaigns (environmental education), animal welfare and recreational activities.
- Key Activities:
- Conservation Breeding: Conservation and reintroduction of rare wildlife in Japan, such as Japanese stork and Tsushima wildcat.
- Public Awareness: Strong ties to local communities and schools to promote environmental education.
- Cultural Integration: Emphasis on native species and community involvement.
- Distinct Features:
- Emphasis on public engagement and local community involvement.
- Focus on species native to Japan and cultural integration.
SEAZA
South East Asian Zoo Association
- Region: Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan
- Founding year: 1990
- Mission: Promotes among its members (a) adherence to highly acceptable ex situ animal management standards and best practices, and (b) contribution to the advancement of wildlife science and education, as well as to biodiversity and wildlife habitat conservation initiatives especially in the Southeast Asian Region.
- Key Activities:
- Facilitates regional collaboration among zoos and aquariums in Southeast Asia.
- Focuses on conservation breeding, public awareness of biodiversity conservation, welfare of captive populations and education.
- Maintain sustainable and viable populations of wildlife species in ex situ settings through advocating scientific research and effective population management programmes.
- Encourages the exchange of knowledge and best practices among member institutions.
- Distinct Features:
- Emphasis on regional biodiversity and cultural diversity.
- Collaborative efforts to address conservation challenges unique to Southeast Asia.
ZAA
Zoo and Aquarium Association
- Region: Australasia (Australia, New Zealand, and zoological institutions in Singapore and Papua New Guinea)
- Founding year: 1991
- Mission: Leads Australasian zoos and aquariums to work together to save wildlife.
- Key Activities:
- Conservation programmes: Members work together on conservation, threatened species recovery and breeding programmes. They are currently (2026) participating in 629 conservation programmes.
- Species Management Programmes (SMPs): These captive breeding programmes support genetically diverse and sustainable animal populations.
- Animal welfare: Settling with just ‘not bad’ is not an option, ZAA facilities want the animals under their care to experience ‘great’ welfare and live fulfilling lives, based on the latest in animal welfare science.
- Distinct Features:
- Acknowledges Traditional Custodians of the land and integrates Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into conservation efforts.
- The application of the One Plan Approach to species conservation, which is the development of management strategies and conservation actions by all responsible parties for all populations of a species, whether inside or outside their natural range.
- The Centre for Species Survival Australasia (CSS) was established to protect and recover threatened species in the region. It is a partnership between the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN-SSC) and the ZAA.
Comparative Table
Organisation | Region | Key Conservation Programmes | Distinct Features |
AAWHC | Africa | Improving standards for wildlife in human care. Sustainable animal population management via protection and rehabilitation ex situ and in situ. | Emphasis on credibility and effectiveness in wildlife management. Conservation education. |
ALPZA | Latin America | Collaboration between zoos, aquariums and rescue centres to protect biodiversity and promote environmental education, building a more sustainable future for life on the planet. | Emphasis on regional positioning and environmental education. Targeted rescue and rehabilitation programmes for individual animals, that have suffered from confiscation, accidents, or abuse. |
AZA | North America & beyond | SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction). SSPs (Species Survival Programmes). Wildlife Trafficking Alliance. | Support (field) conservation projects globally with an extensive programme of conservation funding sources. Inclusiveness and diversity as a guiding principle, creating a welcoming environment to all. |
EARAZA | Eurasia (Central Asia, Russia) | Collaboration among zoos, aquariums in the Euro-Asian region. Ex situ breeding programmes and when necessary, participation in species reintroduction projects. Nature conservation, education, and scientific activities. | Focus on cultural exchange. Co-operate with governmental and public organisations as well as international institutions and groups on issues associated with EARAZA activities. |
EAZA | Europe, Middle East, North Africa & beyond | EAZA Ex situ programmes (EEPs). Field conservation via in situ species conservation and campaigns addressing species and ecosystem decline challenges. Public engagement. | Strong integration with European biodiversity policies. The EAZA Biobank. |
JAZA | Japan | Conservation and reintroduction of rare wildlife in Japan. Raising public awareness by creating strong ties to local communities and schools. Emphasis on native species and community involvemen. | Emphasis on public engagement and local community involvement. Focus on species native to Japan and cultural integration. |
SEAZA | Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan | Regional collaboration of zoos and aquariums, e.g. via exchange of knowledge and best practices. Focuses on conservation breeding, public awareness of biodiversity conservation, welfare of captive populations and education. | Emphasis on regional biodiversity and cultural diversity. Collaborative efforts to address conservation challenges unique to Southeast Asia. |
ZAA | Australasia (Australia, New Zealand) | Members collaborate on conservation, threatened species recovery and breeding programmes (Species Management Programmes (SMPs)). | Acknowledges Traditional Custodians of the land and integrates Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into conservation efforts. The application of the One Plan Approach to species conservation. Establishment of the Centre for Species Survival Australasia. |
Regional zoo and aquarium associations share a broadly similar purpose - improving animal welfare, coordinating conservation, and strengthening professional collaboration - but they differ in scale, maturity, governance context, and regional priorities. Below is a structured comparison of their main similarities and differences.
Key Similarities
Core mission pillars are nearly universal
All associations emphasize four central themes related to their conservation efforts:
- Animal welfare and husbandry standards
- Biodiversity conservation (in situ and ex situ)
- Education and public engagement
- Collaboration between institutions
As a subject, animal welfare is underemphasized in the specifics as listed per association, but good animal welfare is an essential condition for achieving good species conservation. Consider, for example, the ability to perform natural behaviour as a prerequisite for animals to develop into a stable and robust individuals that may reproduce or be reintroduced in the wild. Thus, as expected, all associations have included improved animal welfare as one of their primary goals in their strategic visions.
The convergence of these particular themes in programmes of all associations reflects global alignment with frameworks promoted by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Co-operative population management is a shared technical backbone
Most associations run coordinated ex situ breeding and transfer programmes.
These programmes rely on studbooks, genetic analysis, and inter-institutional animal transfers, demonstrating convergence in scientific management practices across regions.
Emphasis on regional collaboration and knowledge exchange
All associations exist primarily to facilitate co-operation, either by stressing cross-cultural and transcontinental collaboration (EARAZA), or emphasizing knowledge exchange to address region-specific conservation challenges (SEAZA and ALPZA), and sometimes extending this through formalized committees, specialist groups, and advisory networks (AZA, EAZA).
Major Differences
There is a wide spread in founding dates of the various associations. Older associations tend to have more complex accreditation systems, deeper research infrastructure, and larger conservation funding streams. While AAWHC is still building baseline standards and institutional credibility across Africa.
Strength and scope of accreditation systems
Associations differ significantly in how rigorous or globally influential their accreditation is.
AZA and EAZA operate the strictest (highly formalized) accreditation systems, often regarded as global benchmarks. Their standards influence legislation, animal transport regulations, and even exhibit design worldwide.
AAWHC, ALPZA and SEAZA focus on raising baseline standards across highly diverse institutional landscapes. Therefore being more regionally adaptive, because these regions often include facilities with widely varying resources and regulatory frameworks.
Regional conservation priorities and species focus
Each association reflects its region’s biodiversity and environmental challenges. JAZA for instance prioritizes native Japanese species such as the Japanese stork and Tsushima leopard cat. While ZAA focuses heavily on Australasian threatened fauna and integrates Indigenous ecological knowledge. SEAZA addresses issues like rainforest deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and island endemism. And ALPZA emphasizes rescue and rehabilitation due to high levels of wildlife trafficking in Latin America.
This regionalization contrasts with AZA and EAZA, which run large global conservation portfolios.
Relationship with governments and policy frameworks
Associations differ in how closely they are integrated into governmental or supranational policy. EAZA is closely aligned with European Union biodiversity strategies and funding programmes. ZAA collaborates formally with the IUCN Species Survival Commission through the Centre for Species Survival Australasia. And EARAZA maintains strong co-operation with governmental institutions across Eurasia, reflecting more centralized wildlife governance structures in several member countries.
By contrast, AZA operates primarily within a non-governmental framework but exerts influence through policy advocacy and industry standards.
Scale of conservation programmes and funding capacity
Associations differ greatly in financial and logistical capacity. AZA and EAZA manage large conservation grant systems and global field projects. ZAA coordinates hundreds of programmes but focuses primarily within Australasia. But ALPZA, SEAZA and AAWHC often prioritize capacity building, training, and standardization rather than large-scale global conservation funding.
Cultural and societal integration
Some associations emphasize cultural context more strongly than others. In Japan zoos are more integrated into community life and educational systems than anywhere else. While in Australia and New Zealand indigenous knowledge and perspectives are acknowledged and incorporated into conservation planning. EARAZA explicitly promotes cultural exchange between member countries, reflecting its geopolitical diversity. These cultural dimensions are less pronounced in AZA and EAZA, which focus more on scientific and regulatory frameworks.
Conclusion
Regional zoo and aquarium associations operate as parallel but unequal systems. They share a common philosophical and scientific framework but differ in capacity, regulatory environment, and socio-ecological context. Associations in Europe, North America, and Australasia tend to function as standard-setting and resource-rich networks, while those in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia often act as capacity-building and harmonization platforms, working to elevate a more heterogeneous membership base to comparable global standards.
Conservation Success Stories: Species and Habitat Restoration
Below is a dedicated list of notable successes in the conservation of animal species, achieved through ex-situ breeding, reintroduction, habitat restoration, and partnerships.
Species/Project | Association/Institution | Achievement | Year/Status |
California Condor | AZA, San Diego Zoo Safari Park | Breeding and reintroduction of the critically endangered California condor; population increased from 22 to over 300 individuals. | 1980s-present |
Przewalski’s Horse | EAZA, Prague Zoo | First successful reintroduction of the Przewalski’s horse to the wild in Mongolia; now a stable wild population. | 2004–present |
Amur Tiger | WAZA, AZA, EAZA, EARAZA, JAZA | Global Species Management Plan (GSMP) established for Amur tigers; wild population stabilized and wild-born cubs confirmed. | 2012–present |
Black-footed Ferret | AZA, US Fish & Wildlife Service | Reintroduction of black-footed ferrets to the wild; captive breeding programme saved the species from extinction. | 1980s–present |
Pied Tamarin | EAZA | Husbandry knowledge developed for reintroduction efforts in Brazil; wild population reinforced. | Ongoing |
West Indian Manatee | AZA, Mote Marine Laboratory | Research and conservation efforts led to improved protection of manatee habitats and reduced threats. | Ongoing |
Attwater’s Prairie Chicken | AZA, SAFE programme | Collaborative reintroduction programme with US Fish & Wildlife Service; population stabilized. | 2024–present |
European Bison | EAZA, Rewilding Europe | Reintroduction of European bison to the wild in Romania and Poland; population now over 7,000. | 2010s–present |
Amur Leopard | WAZA, EARAZA, EAZA, AZA, JAZA | Regional zoo associations manage ex situ programmes for Amur leopards and participate in the WAZA Global Species Management Plan (GSMP). Current population in the wild numbers ca 100 individuals. | 2013-present |
Tasmanian Devil | ZAA, Save the Tasmanian Devil programme | Captive breeding and disease management; wild populations stabilized. | Ongoing |
Corroboree Frog | ZAA | Captive breeding and reintroduction of the critically endangered corroboree frog in Australia. | Ongoing |
Raising Public Awareness
Zoos and aquariums are increasingly recognized as powerful platforms for environmental education, with a growing body of peer-reviewed research demonstrating their impact on visitor knowledge, attitudes, and pro-environmental / conservational behaviour. More about raising public awareness and influencing public attitude regarding nature conservation available here.
Sources:
- WAZA Global Commitment to Biodiversity - https://www.waza.org/priorities/conservation/waza-commitment-to-biodiversity-conservation/
- WAZA Conservation Breeding programmes - https://www.waza.org/priorities/conservation/conservation-breeding-programmes/
- AAWHC - https://www.aawhc.co.za
- ALPZA - https://www.alpza.com
- AZA Conservation Initiatives - https://www.aza.org/aza-and-animal-programme-conservation-initiatives
- AZA Species Survival Plans (SSPs) - https://www.aza.org/species-survival-plan-programmes
- EAZA Ex-situ programmes (EEPs) - https://www.eaza.net/conservation/programmes
- EAZA Conservation Campaigns - https://www.eaza.net/campaigns/
- EARAZA Conservation Efforts - https://earaza.ru
- JAZA Conservation programmes - https://www.jaza.jp
- SEAZA - https://www.seaza.asia
- ZAA Conservation Projects - https://www.zooaquarium.org.au
- Rewilding Europe Success Stories - https://rewildingeurope.com/
