Abstract

International Species Information Systems (ISIS) has provided collections record-keeping software for zoos and aquariums since 1975. ISIS has 825 members in 76 countries. Members have access to the ISIS global database with information on 2 million terrestrial and aquatic animals.

Working with zoo and aquarium professionals, ISIS has been developing the ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) application. It is a web-based system that integrates and expands upon all ISIS legacy programs (ARKS, SPARKS, and MedARKS). The ZIMS application expands the capacity of previous ISIS software, including providing management tools for animal groups and colonies, enclosures, complete functionality for aquariums, life support, and water quality measurements. ZIMS is role-based and customizable, so each user will have quick access to the functions that relate to daily tasks. When logged in as a veterinarian, details about scheduled procedures, active cases, prescriptions, and tests results will be easily accessible. The application’s role-based security system and other protections assure only authorized users will be able to view these records. The result is a streamlined, powerful program that can replace and expand current record keeping methods.

The ZIMS application will be launched in phases, with the first release available to ISIS members in the spring of 2010. The second release, focused on medical functionality, will be available in the spring of 2011. The third release for species management will be available in the fall of 2011, and the fourth release with advanced functions for everyone will be available spring 2012. ZIMS training tools will be available online for ISIS members. Please see the ISIS website for more information: www.isis.org.