About Government Affairs

The AZA Government Affairs (GA) Department represents the interests of the Association before the U.S. Congress and selected Federal agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Marine Sanctuary Program, National Science Foundation, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services on matters pertaining to animal welfare, wildlife conservation field programs, conservation research / education initiatives and the public display of wildlife including animal care and husbandry, transport and captive breeding.

Government Affairs works with government officials on developing rational and effective Federal legislation and regulations, analyzes the impact of legislation and regulations on AZA members and develops position recommendations with the Government Affairs Committee and the AZA Board of Directors, supplies information on legislation and regulations to its member institutions and develops partnerships with other conservation and animal welfare organizations in order to pursue mutual goals. Government Affairs participates in a number of international treaties and conventions impacting fish and wildlife, including the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species, the International Whaling Commission and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Government Affairs also assists with state legislative and regulatory matters as requested by AZA members.

At the Department's Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, AZA members participate in an all-day workshop with Congressional staff and federal agency representatives and visit with their Members of Congress on selected issues. Government Affairs also prepares and distributes the Washington Report on Zoos and Aquariums, which highlights regulatory and legislative issues affecting the public display community.

Have questions?

Please contact or call 301-562-0777 x249.