PROFILE: THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIA (EAZA)

The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA's mission is to facilitate cooperation within the European zoo and aquarium community towards the goals of education, reserach and conservation. It operates the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). The organisation is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Activities 

• Providing funding and manpower to in situ conservation projects aimed at protecting animal populations and their habitats
• Maintaining viable populations of animals in human care to ensure their survival over the long term
• Educating our visitors about animals and their habitats and providing them with the knowledge and opportunities they need to live sustainably as part of nature
• Researching all aspects of animal biology to improve our understanding of animals and how they live and interact

EAZA membership is open to all zoos and aquaria across Europe that comply with EAZA's standards. Many zoos and acquariums and other associate members can be found in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

The mission of the association is to promote cooperation for furthering regional collection planning and wildlife conservation, mainly through coordinated breeding programmes of wild animals such as the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). The organisation promotes educational activities and advises the European Union, or other representative institutions such as the European Parliament and the European Council.

EAZA is affiliated to WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquaria) which includes more than 300 zoos and aquaria from over 50 countries, associations, affiliated organisations and a small but growing number of corporate partners.