Zoological Record Keeping

Keeping accurate animal-care records is an important part of zookeeping and a requirement for AZA accreditation and permitting.  Standardized information systems that can be transferred and maintained collaboratively between organizations can help you identify health issues, develop sustainable species populations, and address conservation challenges. Using a case study from a zoonotic disease concern at the San Diego Zoo, you will learn the basics of record keeping, including standard abbreviations, animal identification systems, best practices in reporting, and a list of record types every accredited facility should maintain.