American Association of Zoo Keepers
The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is a membership association for animal care professionals. As a Non-profit 501c (3) organization one hundred percent of the funds raised goes towards conservation and the professional development of our keepers.
AAZK is dedicated to advancing animal care, promoting public awareness, enhancing professional development and contributing to local and global conservation through fundraising and stewardship. Our goal is to inspire and motivate through our roles as animal caregivers, educators and conservationists.
AAZK Jacksonville Chapter
Mission: To foster cooperation between animal care professionals to work together toward the common goal of raising awareness for and contributing to conservation projects, both locally and globally.
The Jacksonville chapter of AAZK was founded in 1988, and has since grown into a premier chapter in the field. We currently have over 25 members and are looking to expand our membership in the near future. AAZK members are also members of our sister organization, the International Congress of Zookeepers. The ICZ is a worldwide network among zookeepers and other professionals in the field of wildlife care and conservation.
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2022 Jacksonville AAZK Officers
President – LeShea Cochu
Vice President – Tirzah Nichols
Treasurer – Julianne Doctor
Secretary – Janel Jankowski
Conservation Officers - Charley Shepherd
Conservation Projects
AAZK would like to thank everyone that supported the chapter in 2021! We were still able to donate over $29,000 to multiple organizations. The Zoo's C.A.R.E. committee also graciously matched our amount allocated for conservation projects to make a larger impact.
AAZK collects donations though individual general fund donations, plus from Zoo guests at the coin funnel in Wild Florida, parking meter in Range of the Jaguar, and the donation box on the Rhino Overlook.
Please take a moment to view the events and organizations we were able to contribute to in 2021:
Fundraisers: Bowling for Rhinos and Okapitoberfest
Conservation Projects: Bat Conservation International, Painted Dog Conservation, Trees for the Future, SaveNature.org
Support Our Chapter
Interested in zookeeping as a career?
There are several ways to learn more and gain valuable experience. Explore resources provided by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). You can also become a volunteer at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to learn more about the industry and animal care.