What we are all about...

The American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. began in 1967 in San Diego, CA with the purpose of promoting professionalism in zoo keeping through education of zoological staff members in the most modern and current techniques of captive exotic animal care. 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 which will lead to a greater understanding of the needs and requirements of all animals. Membership is currently about 2,800 and includes individuals at all levels of zoo staff from directors, curators and veterinarians to zoo keepers, animal health technicians, volunteers and students. Members are from 48 of the 50 States, 5 Canadian Provinces and 24 foreign countries and represent nearly 250 animal-related facilities.

AAZK's purpose is to foster a professional attitude in animal keepers by encouraging them to become active members of the professional teams at today's zoos and aquariums. AAZK supports the promotion and implementation of zoo keeper education and strives to make the general public aware of our concern for all valid and deserving conservation projects and the need for the preservation of our natural resources and animal life. AAZK publications, conferences, and chapter activities at local zoos provide keepers with a means to exchange ideas and discuss new methods of professional care, observations on animal behavior and other information. Animal Keepers' Forum, the monthly journal of AAZK, is the principal vehicle for communication among keepers. Other AAZK publications include AAZK National Conference Proceedings, Zoo and Aquarium Professionals and The Resource for Crisis Management in Zoos and Other Animal Care Facilities.

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The  mission of the Detroit Zoological Society is to... 

Demonstrate leadership in wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
     Provide a broad audience with outstanding and unique educational opportunities that 
lead to the appreciation and stewardship of nature.
     Inspire our community with engaging, meaningful, and memorable experiences.
     Provide innovative zoological facilities that contribute to the region's economic vitality.     
     Demonstrate organizational excellence consistent with a commitment to 
outstanding service and  progressive resource management
and environmental leadership. 

  
       Our goal  as zookeepers, volunteers, students, and affiliates is to preserve the Zoo's mission.
        
    Our chapter strives to promote professionalism in zookeeping and in animal care. 

We work to provide zookeepers and other affiliate members with opportunities for continuing education and conservation

both at home (ex situ) and around the world (in situ).

We are committed to enriching the lives of our animals and others in captivity, as well as those they represent in the wild.

It is crucial that our members have every opportunity to uphold, share, and advance in that commitment.

In partnership with our parent organizations, the Detroit Zoological Society and the American Association of Zookeepers, Inc.,

we are committed to leading the way in conservation as

frontline defenders of all animals, large or small, domestic or exotic, all around the world.

The "Objects and Purposes" of the Amercian Association of Zookeepers Detroit Chapter and our Organizational structure are furthur specified in our Chapter Constitution.
Please link to our "Documents" page for a complete copy