About

Mission Statement
The mission of the AAZV is to empower our members to advance our profession and enhance wild animal health, welfare, and conservation.

Vision Statement
The AAZV is the premier organization for veterinarians and allied professionals leading wild animal health care to advance species’ conservation globally.

Organization
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, AAZV is the professional association for individuals who apply the principles of comparative veterinary medicine to zoo and wildlife species. With over 1,000 members, we work in clinical zoo medical practices, diagnostic laboratories, reproductive and pathological laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and a wide range of governmental health and wildlife management agencies worldwide.

AAZV is an umbrella organization that provides advocacy, collaboration, and partnerships for combined efforts to sustain and improve the well-being of wildlife in all habitats. Key functions include producing the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (JZWM), coordinating an annual conference to promote state-of-the-art knowledge in wildlife health, and supporting the Wild Animal Health Fund.

AAZV Goals

• Advancing the health and welfare of zoo animals and wildlife through global collaboration with veterinarians, scientists, and organizations
• Promoting and funding scientific-based veterinary medicine through research, education, and proactive information dissemination
• Providing expertise on zoo animals and wildlife, including the development of procedures and policies that affect their health, welfare, and conservation
• Delivering quality professional development and member services
• Fostering positive interrelationships among humans, animals, and the environment
• Elevating public awareness, respect, and trust for the profession