Organization Overview:

The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) is the professional association for individuals who apply the principles of comparative veterinary medicine to zoo and wildlife species. Founded in 1946 by a handful of veterinarians working mostly part-time in zoos, today there are more than 1,300 members from over 50 countries.

The mission of the AAZV is to empower its members to advance the profession and enhance wild animal health, welfare, and conservation. To achieve this, the AAZV serves as an advocate for the profession, as well as the primary source of continuing education and advanced expertise in zoo and wildlife medicine. The Association’s primary activities include producing the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (JZWM), coordinating an annual conference to advance state-of-the-art knowledge in the field, and operating the Wild Animal Health Fund, which advances critical research in zoo and wildlife medicine.