.jpg) | |
| Abbreviation | IZE |
|---|---|
| Formation | 6 September 1972 |
| Legal status | Non-profit |
| Purpose | Education |
| Headquarters | Sausalito, California, United States |
Region served | Worldwide |
Membership | Zoos and Aquariums |
| Affiliations | WAZA |
| Website | izea |
The International Zoo Educators Association (IZE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the education programmes in zoos and aquariums.
Founded in 1972 by a group of European zoo educators, IZE's aim was to create a forum where zoo educators could meet every two years to discuss and share ideas and common interests. The founding members included those from Frankfurt Zoo, Amsterdam Zoo, Paignton Zoo and Copenhagen Zoo.
The first IZE President was Rosl Kirchshofer, head of education at the Frankfurt Zoo.[1]
Proceedings were produced for the first time at the second international meeting in 1974 at Copenhagen Zoo. To facilitate communication among members the first newsletter was produced in 1977, edited by Jan Hatley, head of education at Paignton Zoo.[2]
The IZE website states that the association's mission is to:
"[...expand] the educational impact of zoos and aquariums worldwide", "improve the education programs" and "support excellence in animal care and welfare".