Abstract

Caring for wildlife and wild places is a priority of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To meet this mission, AZA is committed to implementing best practices in animal health, welfare and animal management to sustain wildlife populations both in managed care and in the wild. Recognizing the need for an organized effort to address the many issues threatening our wildlife populations, AZA has launched several new initiatives and programs. There is a need for active involvement from all AZA members to achieve our mission. These programs include AZA’s Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) Initiative (which includes a focus on population sustainability), and an AZA Zoo and Aquarium All-Hazards Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (ZAAHP) Fusion Center. There are important roles for animal health professionals in all of these programs.