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  • Our Mission
    Supporting our members' education,
    connection, and inspiration to strengthen
    understanding of and commitment to zoo
    and aquarium conservation goals.

Membership Benefits

As an AZADV member, you have access to a wide variety of membership benefits such as:

Quarterly Newsletter

The newsletter features educational articles submitted by industry professionals and AZADV members, news, upcoming events, and more.

Educational Opportunities

We can put that AZADV Professional Development offers members webinars, resource links and more to help our members be as knowledgeable as possible

Reciprocal Admission

Members receive admission discounts to more than 30 participating zoos and/or aquariums in North America upon proof of membership.

Conferences

Join hundreds of members at the annual conference for personal development and networking opportunities. Zoo Day at the host facility includes behind-the-scenes and other unique activities.

Join Us

Join docents and volunteers from more than 115 zoos and aquariums across North America who share your passion for animals and conserving our natural world.

About Us

Female sitting among penguins in their exhibit.
Woman feeding a giraffe.
Tortoise Team members receiving instructions from zookeepers in the tortoise exhibit.
Group of conference attendees standing next to a tiger cutout sign.
AZADV member, Larry Martin, holding a snake during a trip to Madagascar.
Conference attendees getting a tour at the host facility.

The Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents and Volunteers (AZADV) is a 503(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to support the conservation of species and facilitate communication between members to enhance educational programming and renew enthusiasm for the service that our members contribute to their institutions.

Deadlines for Symbiosis submissions

Winter Issue

Deadline: December 1

Spring Issue

Deadline: March 1

Summer Issue

Deadline: June 1

Fall Issue

Deadline: September 1

Upcoming Events

2026 AZADV Conference

TBD, 2026
Hosted by Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium
Registration: TBD


Education Grants

We encourage and support the development and implementation of creative education programs through AZADV Education Grants. Each year, grants of up to $6,000 are awarded to organizational members.