3 ways to
give to aazk
Raising funds and awareness for rhino and habitat conservation, trees for you & me and zoo keeper professional development & grants.
SUPPORT AAZK PROGRAMS & INITIAVES
The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) invites you to support any or all of the options below:
- AAZK Professional Development & Grants Programs
- Trees for You & Me (TFYM)
- Bowling for Rhinos (BFR)
More information about each program, along with ways to donate, is available by scrolling.
Professional development & grants
The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) offers a range of professional development and grant programs designed to support the growth and education of animal care professionals. These initiatives provide zookeepers with opportunities to attend conferences, participate in specialized training workshops, and pursue continuing education in animal husbandry, enrichment, welfare, and conservation. AAZK grants help offset costs associated with professional advancement, including travel and tuition, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to valuable learning experiences. Through these programs, AAZK fosters excellence in animal care and empowers keepers to contribute more effectively to their institutions and the broader zoological community.
What is “Trees for You & Me”?
Trees for You and Me is a tree-planting conservation program created through a partnership between the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) and Polar Bears International (PBI). Both organizations recognize a mutual passion in combating climate change and reaching to communities to aid in sustainability initiatives.
Funds raised by local AAZK chapters, online donations and other conservationists from the communities are used in an annual granting program aimed to provide funding for tree-planting to areas of the world that have been devastated by deforestation.
AAZK Chapters may also take advantage of the the donation page for by asking individual donors to AAZK Trees for You and Me to credit the donation directly to an AAZK Chapter totals.
Why Bowling for Rhinos Matters
Every dollar raised through BFR helps fund essential conservation efforts, including:
- Protecting Rhino Habitats: Supporting in situ programs in Asia and Africa.
- Population Management: Preserving rhino species for future generations.
- Education and Awareness: Teaching communities about the importance of rhinos and their ecosystems.
With 100% of proceeds going directly to conservation programs, your contribution makes a tangible difference.
Get Involved
SUPPORT AAZK
DONATE TO AAZK
Support AAZK’s programming designed to provide development, training and grants for zoo keepers–front line staff at zoos throughout the United States & Canada who care for millions of animals.
DONATE TO BOWLING FOR RHINOS (BFR)
Help us reach our goal of raising $500,000 annually.
- Total Funds Raised Since 1990: $9.35M
- 2024 Funds Raised to Date: $15,395.46
Your donation can be attributed to an AAZK Chapter or honor someone special by listing their name in the “Recognition” box.
DONATE TO TREES FOR YOU & ME (TFYM)
AAZK Chapters, volunteers and donors raise nearly $25,000 for this annual program.
The AAZK Trees for You and Me Grant is a forest-based carbon offset grant with funds generated by individual donations and AAZK Chapters hosting Trees for You and Me fundraising events!
Any US or international non-profit proposing a climate change mitigation project via reforestation is invited to apply.
Become an AAZK member today
Unlock your potential and join a thriving community of animal care professionals dedicated to making a difference.