2000
The genesis for the first “International Congress on Zookeeping” (ICZ) occurred at a meeting at the AAZK conference, held in Columbus, (Ohio, U.S.A.) in 2000.

Representatives at this meeting were from the seven major regional Associations for professional Zoo Keeping (see below).
As a result of the meeting, it was believed that a common conference for Zoo Keepers from around the world would not only improve the levels of communication between Keepers from different regions, but also serve as a basis for supporting the development of Zoo Keeping as a profession in regions where professional Zoo Keeping Associations did not currently exist.

The primary objectives for holding a conference for Zoo Keepers at an international level was to promote the development and application of professional animal welfare and husbandry techniques amongst Zoo Keepers, which would in turn benefit the wild animals under their care, and contribute to the conservation of wildlife.

The meeting was attended by representatives of:
– American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)
– Association of British Wild Animal Keepers (ABWAK)
– Australasian Society of Zoo Keeping (ASZK)
– Asociación Ibérica de Cuidadores de Animales Salvajes (AICAS)
– Association Francophone des Soigneurs Animaliers (ASFA)
– Berufsverband der Zootierpfleger (BdZ)
– Foundation Harpij (De Harpij)