Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Guide to Individual Membership Benefits

Looking to make the most of your AZA membership? Make sure you take advantage of all of the many products, services, and programs available to Individual Members. Associate Members, Professional Affiliates, and Professional Fellow receive all of the following benefits.

Professional Affiliates and Professional Fellows are eligible for additional membership benefits.

You'll have to log in to the Members Only section to access some of the information below. If you're a current AZA member and you don't yet know your User ID and Password, contact .

If you have any questions, please contact the AZA Membership Department at membership@aza.org

Connect Magazine

Individual members receive Connect, AZA's monthly magazine. Selected features of each month's issues are posted online, along with the Connect archives. Read Connect online.

Committee Service

AZA members have the opportunity to serve on AZA's committees or as part of an Accreditation Inspection Team.

Conservation Endowment Fund Grants

As an individual member of AZA you are eligible to apply for Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF) grants. CEF funds conservation projects around the world and are awarded each Spring. An average of $300,000 in grants is awarded each year.

Conferences and Regional Meetings

Each year AZA and select member institutions host two regional meetings in the Spring and an annual conference in the Fall. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to network with your colleagues, attend sessions on important topics, and to find the products and services you've been looking for in our Exhibit Hall. AZA extends a special member registration rate to all individual members. Here's information about upcoming meetings.

Free and Discounted Admissions

Is there travel in your future? Don't forget to pack your membership card. Showing your membership card at many AZA accredited institutions will earn you discounted or free admission or even parking or gift shop discounts. Print the list of institutions offering this valuable benefit (in PDF).

Membership Directory

With contact and demographic information on all AZA Institution, Related Facility, Conservation Partner, and Commercial Members plus contact information for a number of government agencies and conservation organizations the AZA Membership Directory is your #1 zoo and aquarium reference tool. AZA members may purchase a copy at a discounted member rate through the Publications Department.

Job Listings

Whether you are just curious about what else is out there, or seriously looking to make a change, our job listings are the most comprehensive in the business. Covering just about every position from Animal Keeper to Education Curator to Executive Director, they are available online. Institutions post jobs all day, every day, so check back often for the latest opportunities. You can also sort by job title, location, and date posted.

Listservs

Did you know that AZA maintains almost 200 listservs? These e-mail discussion groups are an ideal place to share what you know, learn what you don't, and network with colleagues at other institutions. We have listservs addressing just about every aspect of zoo and aquarium operations. Signing up for listservs is a snap. Log in to the Members Only section and take a look at the list of listservs.

Access Members Only

You can log in to the Members Only section of the AZA web site, with access to statistical and survey information, the Resource Center, and all of the Conservation & Science program documents.
Log in to the Members Only section

Professional Development Training Program

Each February, zoo and aquarium professionals from around the world attend AZA Schools. Operated by the Board of Regents, the schools cover a variety of topics from zoo and aquarium management to studbook and population management training. You'll find Professional Development opportunities around the country, throughout the year. A Master's of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Zoo and Aquarium Leadership (in conjunction with George Mason University) is also available.

Professional Affiliates and Professional Fellows

Additional Benefits for Professional Affiliates

Individuals working at an AZA member organization (either part- or full-time) are eligible to become Professional Affiliates. In addition to the benefits listed above, Professional Affiliates receive their own copy of the annual Membership Directory as well as a listing in the directory.

Additional Benefits for Professional Fellows

Individuals working at an AZA Institution, Related Facility, or Conservation Partner in a management capacity may be eligible to become a Professional Fellow. In addition to the benefits listed above, Professional Fellows may vote in association elections and — if employed by an accredited institution — may hold elective office or chair committees.

Current AZA members at either the Associate or Professional Affiliate level who are eligible for Professional Fellow status may submit an application to upgrade their membership. Download the application for upgrading membership (in PDF) or contact for more information.