Zoo Cooperations in Germany, Europe and Worldwide

71 zoos are members of the Association of Zoological Gardens (Verband der Zoologischen Gärten e.V., VdZ), the association of scientifically managed zoos in German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain). Founded in 1887, the VDZ is the oldest zoo association in the world and was the impetus for the founding of WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquaria). Many others are members of the German Animal Park Society (Deutsche Tierpark Gesellschaft) and/or the German Game Reserve Association (Deutscher Wildgehege Verband). This means that in Germany alone there are more than 260 institutions that promote environmental education and conservation by showing live animals in the context of their habitat and way of life.

The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) promotes cooperation between zoos and aquariums in Europe to improve the quality of animal care and to coordinate research and the protection of biodiversity. The breeding of endangered species is coordinated in the European Endangered Species Programs (EEP). Zoo am Meer is one of over 300 members from 47 countries in EAZA.

Zoos and aquariums around the world are also united. Some 400 zoos and 17 regional associations make up the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA). Including all regional associations, WAZA has 700 million visitors per year; in Germany, the figure for all zoos and animal parks is about 43 million people who visit one or more times per year. This makes zoos the most visited educational, conservation and environmental institutions in the world. The Zoo am Meer is also a member.

But zoos around the world do more than just keep and breed animals. Zoos are currently involved in more than 250 conservation projects in the wild, and it is estimated that more than US$350 million is raised or provided annually in donations, contributions and other support for conservation projects.