To say we were impressed is an understatement. How often do you get to attend a group meeting that is interesting, informative, fun and runs like clockwork? The organization of the events was flawless. From the opening reception through speakers, activities, trips, the best banquet ever and finally their auction which raised over $17,000, everything was outstanding. Most impressive of all was the atmosphere of warm, serious, experienced people who shared common goals and had come together to learn how they could help in the realization of some of those goals.
                
We certainly agree that the most important  task is as declared in Z.A.O.A's Mission Statement:

Our mission is to promote the responsible ownership, management and propagation of animals in both private and public domains.
                
That's huge, but this amazing group is looking more and more like they can handle the challenges inherent in their chosen objectives, which they state as:

• Establish professional standards for husbandry and animal care practices.

• Maintain accurate animal and medical records.

• Enhance the survival of species by the use of appropriate methods.

• Maintain an appropriate, safe, and quality existence for animals in captive environments.

• Establish safety measures for staff, visitors and animals to prevent injury and disease.

Further, they told everyone attending how all aspects of the organization, including their money was being managed and how it was growing. A 55%  increase in membership in one year certainly seems to indicate they are on the right track.
                
Also, for those of you who have trouble remembering their acronym and saying it, It's being changed, The name is still the Zoological Association of America, but the O is being dropped simplifying the catch term for the group to ZAA. Changing all their paperwork and the web site, etc. will take some time so apparently the change will be gradual. Once it's accomplished. however,  things will be neat and tidy. And one of their old T shirts will be a collector's item.

The whole time we were in Tampa, we had unlimited free access to the Lowry Park Zoo, voted #1 Family Friendly zoo in the USA. One afternoon there were shuttle buses running regularly to take us there and back. It's a delightful zoo and we even got behind the scenes tours. One of them got to see the baby tapir. All babies are appealing, of course, but this little fellow was adorable, Just a few days old and looking, for all the world to be wearing striped pajamas. Too bad, but we were told those markings fade out, fairly soon. So glad we had the rare opportunity to see him in his "baby clothes". Oh yes! And there were baby white Tigers, too.

Another afternoon the buses took us to visit a Kangaroo farm that has, someone said, the largest collection of these marsupials in the country. No one is really sure just how many that is, however. They can count noses on the ones hopping around, but no one knows how many are "in the pouch". One kind of sad lady kangaroo walked up to the fence and looked beseechingly at us. We asked her what she wanted. Then we noticed she had a leg almost as big as her own sticking out of her pouch. Poor Mommy! Some babies are just more resistant to being weaned, than others. And there was nothing we could do for her, but sympathize.
                
We're just scratching the surface with this little report, but suffice it to say, ZAA is an organization well worthy of support. As you know, we have always encouraged membership and several of our members have been members from the beginning when it first became ZAA .

ZAA's Editorial Chairman and Board Member, Mike Jones has been working since the early '90s with organizations trying to accomplish what this group has done. He says, in their Fall Newsletter & Journal, "I have been with you since the beginning, fighting the good fight. My experience tells me that this will be our last chance to 'get it right' ". We agree wholeheartedly and hope our membership will want to get involved as Mike encourages  ZAA  members to, "so that we may 'stay the course' ". Information on joining this outstanding group is available on their web site, the address for which can  always be found  on page 2 of our Newsletter. Just to make sure it isn't overlooked, it is:   http://www.zaoa.org
                                                             
Maybe next year we will be better represented when ZAA holds it's 4th Annual Conference in Omaha.