azadv.org
  • About
    • Bylaws
    • Executive Board
    • Committees
  • Members Area
  • Grants
  • Conferences
  • Join AZADV
  • About
    • Bylaws
    • Executive Board
    • Committees
  • Members Area
  • Grants
  • Conferences
  • Join AZADV

Our Mission

Supporting our members' education, connection, and inspiration to strengthen understanding of, and commitment to, zoo and aquarium conservation goals.
join AZADV
Membership Benefits
As an AZADV member, you have access to a wide variety of membership benefits, including:
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Quarterly newsletter
The newsletter features educational articles submitted by industry professionals and AZADV members, news, upcoming events, and more.
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Educational Opportunities
AZADV offers members conferences, webinars, links to resources, and more to help our members be as knowledgeable as possible.
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Reciprocal Admission
Members receive discounts to more than 30 participating zoos/aquariums in North America with proof of membership.
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Annual Conference
Join your fellow members at our annual conference for educational and networking opportunities, customized events at local zoos/aquariums, 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.
Join now!

About Us

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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.

OUR HISTORY
The first International Zoo Docent Conference was held in Houston in October 1985 with 35 zoos represented. The following year in Kansas City, delegates from 41 zoos and aquariums established guidelines, chose the name Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents (AZAD), created bylaws, and launched a newsletter, Symbiosis. In 2013, the name was changed to Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents and Volunteers (AZADV) to better reflect the expanding roles of zoo volunteers. There has been an international conference each year since 1986.

OUR MISSION
Supporting our members' education, connection and inspiration to strengthen understanding of and commitment to zoo and aquarium conservation goals.

OUR VISION
Empower commitment to conservation of our natural world.

Deadlines for Symbiosis submissions

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Winter Issue
Deadline: December 1
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Spring Issue
Deadline: March 1
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Summer Issue
Deadline: June 1
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Fall Issue
Deadline: September 1

Upcoming conferences

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2025 AZADV Conference
October 14-19, 2025
San Diego DoubleTree in Mission Valley, Calif.
Registration: TBD
Learn more
2026 AZADV Conference
Fall 2026
Hosted by Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium, Mo.
Registration: TBD
Learn more

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