Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums

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Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) is a national, non-profit organization that was established in 1975, to be the national voice representative of Canada's zoo and aquarium community.

CAZA's purpose is to promote the welfare of animals by encouraging the advancement of conservation, education, and science. CAZA believes that their 25 accredited zoo and aquarium members are vital, because they represent the vital connection to the natural world to an increasingly urbanized population.

Through their accredited members' expertise they can bring the reality of animals and their threatened environment to people in a way that raises awareness and motivates positive action to ensure the future of the world’s wildlife.

CAZA members help an estimated 11 million visitors annually to understand and appreciate the diversity of nature and the importance to its survival. Canada’s accredited zoos and aquariums teach over 1,300,000 children and adults about the natural world, its varied species, the impact of human activities on that world and the actions that need to be taken to protect it and its wild inhabitants.

CAZA supports programs to preserve threatened species and their habitat and works to preserve the genetic diversity of species. CAZA also works to standardize professional conduct through a rigorous Code of Ethics and a comprehensive accreditation program.

CAZA is also a member of the IUCN, WAZA and the AMMPA.