AFdPZ is an association under the French law of 1901, founded in 1969 by Jean DELACOUR.

It is the oldest professional zoo association in France.

The aim of the association is to create a network of French zoological establishments.

  • ensure their representativeness before supervisory authorities and international organizations
  • promote them to the media and the general public
  • help ensure compliance with theMinisterial Decree of March 25, 2004, particularly as regards the 3 missions of the parks ( Conservation, Education and Research, as well as promoting the AFdPZ Code of Ethics and investment in biodiversity conservation among its members)

In 2021, the total number of members will exceed 90. Further membership applications are regularly under consideration. (Please note: only French zoological institutions can be members of the Association, which is not open to private individuals).

The association is itself a member ofEAZA(European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), WAZA(World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) andIUCN(International Union for Conservation of Nature).