The American Association of Zoo Keepers and the Local Chapter

The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is an organization comprised of professional zoo keepers and other people dedicated to professional animal care and conservation.

AAZK's mission is to provide a resource and a forum of continuing education for the animal care professional and to support zoo and aquarium personnel in their roles as animal care givers, scientific researchers, public educators and conservationists; to promote zoos and aquariums as cultural establishments dedicated to the enrichment of human and natural resources; to foster the exchange of research materials, enrichment options and husbandry information through publications and conferences that will lead to a greater understanding of the needs and requirements of all animals.

AAZK has about 2,800 members, including individuals at all levels of zoo staff from directors, curators, and veterinarians to keepers, animal health technicians, volunteers, and students. Members are from 48 U.S. states, five Canadian provinces, and 24 other countries, representing nearly 250 animal-related facilities.

National Capital AAZK Chapter

Inspiring leadership in animal care and promoting conservation action!

The National Capital AAZK chapter (NCAAZK) and its members are dedicated to quality animal husbandry, the diffusion of knowledge within the profession and have a true passion for conservation. NCAAZK became an official chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers in May 2006.

NCAAZK is open to keepers, volunteers, and all interested parties who participate, in various ways, in professional animal care. We encourage our members to submit to scientific publications, such as AAZK’s Keeper Forum, and attend conferences including the annual National AAZK conference. We raise money for both local and international conservation organizations, and we host Bowling For Rhinos, an annual AAZK fundraiser. Most importantly, we unite animal care professionals throughout the National Capital area through our events in order to share, educate, and have fun!

NCAAZK’s priorities and goals:We strive to provide the highest quality animal care.

• We aim to support professional development of the animal keeper staff through training courses and conferences.
• We seek to share our knowledge with others in our profession and gain valuable insight in return.
• We support conservation and research organizations within the Smithsonian, as well as animal organizations and research outside its bounds.
• We hope to educate our guests and staff about the profession of animal husbandry, inform them of our ongoing excellence in animal care and inspire conservation action.

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Interested in learning more about the world of zoo keeping?

Check out the In the Field reports—many of them are written by keepers! Zoo keepers travel around the world to learn more about the animals they take care of, to help with research projects, to volunteer for conservation organizations, or to attend conferences. Read about keepers' adventures in the field.