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Animal Care Manuals

Animal Care Manuals (ACMs) provide a compilation of animal care and management knowledge that has been gained from recognized species experts, including AZA Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs), Species Survival Plan® Programs (SSPs), biologists, veterinarians, nutritionists, reproduction physiologists, behaviorists and researchers. They are based on the most current science, practices, and technologies used in animal care and management and are valuable resources that enhance animal welfare by providing information about the basic requirements needed and best practices known for caring for ex situ animal populations. ACMs are considered living documents that are updated as new information becomes available and at a minimum of every five years.

Audience

Information presented in the ACM is intended solely for the education and training of zoo and aquarium personnel at AZA-accredited institutions. Recommendations included in the ACM are not exclusive management approaches, diets, medical treatments, or procedures, and may require adaptation to meet the specific needs of individual animals and particular circumstances in each institution. Statements presented throughout the body of the manuals do not represent specific AZA accreditation standards of care unless specifically identified as such in clearly marked sidebar boxes.

Development and Publication

The development of each ACM is coordinated by the AZA Animal Welfare Committee and managed by AZA's Animal Conservation Office. A complete ACM Template is available to all AZA members.  The template is divided into chapters, each of which focuses on a different animal care or management topic. 

Each chapter contains specific sections with general introductory information and corresponding AZA Accreditation Standards identified. Each section lists bulleted points, developed with input from AZA Committees, Scientific Advisory Groups, and the Animal Program’s Population Management and Wildlife Contraception Centers, that are addressed by the authors.

The Developmental Processes used to compose each ACM follows a specific sequence that includes several review procedures (internal and external) before the AZA Conservation Department reviews it and ultimately approves publication. There are six primary steps needed to complete the publication process:

1. The TAG or SSP will identify an ACM Coordinator to serve as the main communications conduit between the authors and AZA’s Animal Welfare Committee and Conservation Department.
   
2. The ACM Coordinator will work with the authors to compile all scientific data and professional information about the natural history and management strategies of the taxa and will incorporate this information into the pre-existing sections of the ACM template. 
   
3. Upon completion of the draft ACM, the ACM Coordinator will work with the authors to identify two or more external review experts and three or more internal TAG/SSP member reviewers and will submit this information and the draft ACM to the AZA Conservation Department for proofreading and editing.
   
4. When all edits are agreed upon, the AZA Conservation Department will post the final draft of the ACM on the AZA website and send it to the following for the required 30-day member comment period: External Reviewers; TAG Steering Committee; SSP Coordinator; and the Chairs the Animal Welfare, Wildlife Conservation and Management, and Research and Technology Committees as well as Avian (if applicable), Behavior, Biomaterials Banking, Contraception, Endocrinology, Nutrition, Reproduction, and Research Scientific Advisory Groups. 
   
5. The ACM Coordinator will work with the TAG/SSP, AWC and Conservation Department to review all comments, incorporate suggestions as deemed necessary and provide a written justification report for omitting suggestions deemed unnecessary. 
   
6. Once completed, the AZA Conservation Department will provide final approval and post the ACM on the AZA website accordingly.

Completed Animal Care Manuals

(Required for accreditation-Standard 1.2.1)

• Kori Bustard Care Manual

Animal Care Manuals In Progress

(NOT required for accreditation until complete)

Husbandry Manuals
Husbandry Manuals were created for a variety of species over the past two decades, however the stucture, format, and content of these documents vary widely and most are not current. TAGs and SSP are currently engaged in transferring the relevant information from the Husbandry Manuals to the AZA Animal Care Manual format.