Animal Management

Some of the following information is in Members Only.

Acronyms and Abbreviations
A list of the acronyms and abbreviations commonly used in the zoological profession.

Animal Care Manuals
Formerly known as "Standardized Guidelines," the Animal Care Manuals project is a collaborative effort to provide best practices and guidelines for animal care, for all vertebrates in AZA collections. [member login required]

Animal Conservation Reports
For the latest news, read the back issues of the Animal Conservation Reports.

Animal Data Information Systems Committee (ADISC)
ADISC is working to establish standards for aquarium and zoo animal data management and to develop a blueprint for an integrated and comprehensive animal information system.

Animal Health
Information on a variety of animal health and veterinary issues. Includes information on the AZA Wildlife Contraception Center.

Animal Data and Records
Included here are Guidelines and Standards, IDMAG Procedures, and Taxon- and Species-specific / IDMAGGOC Documents. [member login required]

Animal Welfare and Husbandry
Information on all aspects of animal care and management necessary for both physical and psychological well-being, including husbandry manuals, animal care standards, reintroduction guidelines, and enrichment resources. [member login required]

Antivenom Index
This Antivenom Index is a member service for the American Association of Poison Control Centers and the AZA. AZA institutions/facilities may access the Antivenom Index. Please use your Institutional User ID and password to log in.

Board-approved Policies
AZA's board-approved policies cover many aspects of animal management, including Acquisition / Disposition, animal contact and program animals, and SSP participation.

Collection Planning
Information on institutional and regional collection planning.

Committees
List of AZA Board-level committees, including Animal Health, Animal Welfare, Aquatic Advisory, Field Conservation, and the Wildlife Conservation and Management Committee.

Conservation Programs Database
Information on all of AZA's animal management and conservation programs (TAGs, SSP, PMPs, Studbooks, CAPs and SAGs). Members may log in to the Members Only database to access contact information for program leaders as well as all program documents.

Dedicated Funds (in PDF)
All WCMC-approved AZA Conservation Program Committees (Species Survival Plans, Taxon Advisory Groups, Conservation Action Partnerships, and Scientific Advisory Groups) are eligible to manage funds in support of their objectives.

Funding for Zoo and Aquarium Conservation and Science Research Projects
A compilation of grant programs and foundations for research and conservation projects. Also consider the AZA Conservation Endowment Fund.

Population Management
Includes information on the AZA Population Management Center, Group Population Management, and population management software.

Population Management Plans
PMPs provide basic population management for select captive populations. Includes information on PMPs as well as resources for current and interested population managers.

Program Leader Handbooks
The Program Leader Handbooks contain all of the administrative information necessary to run an AZA animal management and conservation program, including TAGs, RCPs, PMPs, SSPs and Studbooks.

Resource Center
Check the AZA Resource Center for diversity, enrichment, funding, green practices, job descriptions, links to other professional and conservation associations, and more.

Scientific Advisory Groups (SAGs)
SAGs are groups of experts who facilitate and support AZA programs and members. Includes information on SAGs as well as for SAG Chairs and members.

Species Survival Plans (SSPs)
SSPs are AZA's trademark cooperative conservation and animal management program. Includes information on SSPs as well as resources for SSP Coordinators, members and IRs.

Standardized Guidelines
The process and documents for Standardized Guidelines have been converted to Animal Care Manuals. [member login required]

Studbooks
Studbooks are pedigree databases for select animal populations, used primarily for making breeding recommendations. Includes information on studbooks as well as resources for current and interested studbook keepers.

Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs)
TAGs are groups of AZA experts who oversee regional collection planning and conservation efforts for specific taxa. Includes information on TAGs as well as resources for TAG Chairs, members, and IRs.

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Animal Management