Support
Through the Candidate for Membership programme, EAZA supports many zoos that are committed to improving their standards in all areas but do not meet them yet.
Support for aspiring members
EAZA is prepared to assist zoos that are committed to improving their standards of animal welfare and zoo management, and that are willing to become progressive institutions adhering to the EAZA Standards and the vision set out in the World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy.
Improving standards
Although wild animals have been kept in human care for thousands of years, overall standards in zoos and aquariums across Europe and Western Asia still vary. To address this variety and help raise the standards, we have created a Candidate for Membership category for zoos and aquariums aspiring to become EAZA Members. Through this framework they can be supported by the EAZA Technical Assistance Committee.
Candidates for Membership
Assistance is provided to institutions accepted into EAZA’s Candidate for Membership programme. The Technical Assistance Committee focuses on supporting their progression in animal welfare and zoo management, encouraging the sharing of knowledge between zoos and providing practical support and advice for improvements.
They also encourage the staff to participate in seminars and conferences and to run workshops within their region to improve their professional training, to facilitate the transmission of information and the sharing of best practice between experts and to improve networking between institutions.
For information about the EAZA Technical Assistance Committee or about applying for the Candidate for Membership programme, please contact info@eaza.net.
EAZA Candidates for Membership
The Modern Zoo and other resources
The technical assistance manual 'The Modern Zoo: foundations for Management and Development' describes all aspects of managing a zoological institution and is intended for use by all staff working in zoos and aquariums.
For a complete overview of EAZA's governing documents, guidelines, strategies, position statements and other documents, please visit the Resources section of this website.