CAZA HISTORY

The Canadian Association of Zoo and Aquariums (CAZA) - L’Associon des Zoos et Aquariums du Canada (AZAC), was founded in June of 1975 at the Palliser Hotel in Calgary Alberta, during the regional conference of what was then the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA). This organization was later renamed the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). At CAZA-AZACs formation it was named the Canadian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (CAZPA), l’Association canadienne des jardins zoologiques et des aquariums (ACJZA This name changed in 1997 to Canadian Zoo and Aquarium Association (CAZA) – L’Assocacion des Zoos et Aquariums du Canada (AZAC).

The annual meetings have become increasingly important venues for discussions of legislation with regulatory agencies. Professional development, presentations of achievement awards and animal exchange activities, all combined to draw increasing numbers of Canadians to the conferences. With the exception of 1995, which was a joint meeting held with the AZA in Seattle, Canadian zoo and aquarium staff have gathered each year in a different Canadian city. The meeting held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 2005 was the 29th time delegates have gathered, this time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of that momentous day in Calgary in 1975.