The AZA Government Affairs team has two major responsibilities:
- to protect and promote the legislative and regulatory interests of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, and;
- to foster effective partnership opportunities with Federal agencies and non-governmental organizations.
What we do
AZA represents the interests of the Association before the U.S. Congress and Federal agencies on matters pertaining to animal welfare, wildlife conservation field programs, conservation research, education initiatives and the public display of wildlife including animal care, transport and conservation breeding.
In this capacity, AZA works with government officials on developing rational and effective Federal legislation and regulations, analyzes the impact of legislation and regulations on AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, develops position recommendations with the AZA Government Affairs Committee and the AZA Board of Directors, and fosters partnerships with Federal agencies and other conservation and animal welfare organizations in order to pursue mutual goals.
AZA actively participates in Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species. AZA also assists with state legislative and regulatory matters as requested by AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.
Hot Topics
AZA supports the following key legislative priorities:
HR 80/S 462, Captive Primate Safety Act
To amend the Lacey Act to treat nonhuman primates as prohibited species under the Act.
HR 388/S 197, Crane Conservation Act
To assist in the conservation of cranes by supporting and providing, through projects of persons and organizations with expertise in crane conservation, financial resources for the conservation programs of countries the activities of which directly or indirectly affect cranes and the ecosystems of cranes.
HR 411, Great Cats and Rare Canids Act
To assist in the conservation of great felids and rare canids by supporting and providing financial resources for the conservation programs of nations within the natural range and the projects of persons with demonstrated expertise in the conservation of these populations.
HR 81/S 850, Shark Conservation Act
To prohibit shark finning practices and direct the Secretary of Commerce to note in the Report on International Compliance those countries which harvest or incidentally take sharks without a recognized shark conservation program.
HR 509, Marine Turtle Conservation Act
To provide support and financial resources for the international conservation of marine turtles and their ecosystems.
HR 556, the Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act
To establish a program of research, recovery and other activities to provide for the recovery of the southern sea otter.
Key Regulatory Issues
There are no regulatory notices currently open which impact AZA accredited zoos and aquariums
Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus
The Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus is comprised of supportive members of the U.S. House of Representatives who join together to support the interests of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. The Congressional Caucus co-chairs are Representative Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) and Representative Spencer Bachus (R-AL).
Through the Caucus, the community of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums provides to Congress valuable expertise and resources in animal care and welfare, endangered species survival protocols and recovery, informal education and conservation science research. The goals of the caucus are to:
- Recognize the collective impact of America's accredited zoos and aquariums as they promote science education, conservation and family recreation;
- Foster appreciation for the work of zoos and aquariums as they inspire stewardship, caring and discovery through engaging exhibits and conservation education programs, and;
- Promote zoos and aquariums as science education partners with the nation's public schools.
Important Federal Agencies
The following Federal Agencies affect AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Regulatory Scope:
National Marine Fisheries Regulatory Scope:
- Endangered Species Act
- Marine Mammal Protection Act
- Highly Migratory Species (Sharks)
USDA / Animal and Plant Health Inspection Regulatory Scope:
- Animal Care: Animal Welfare Act inspections and standards for public display of warm-blooded animals
- Veterinary Services: Import and export of species monitored for human and animal health purposes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Regulatory Scope:
- Import/export of animals (human health threats) and non-human primates
Federal Aviation Administration Regulatory Scope:
- Humane transportation of animals
Food and Drug Administration Regulatory Scope:
- Interstate movement of animals (human health threats)
Homeland Security Regulatory Scope:
- Air shipment/inspection of animals