About Us
Who We Are?
The African Association for Wildlife in Human Care (AAWHC) is a collaborative regional body representing Africa’s leading wildlife institutions dedicated to the ethical care, conservation, and responsible management of wildlife in human care. Our organisation is founded on the shared commitment of accredited member facilities to uphold global standards and foster meaningful impact through education, research, and conservation action.
We are united by a vision for a future where the welfare of animals and the protection of biodiversity are central to the work of modern zoological and conservation organisations.
What We Do
We provide a platform for professional collaboration, regional support, and strategic leadership in the care of wildlife. Through our robust accreditation framework, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and commitment to best practice, we enable our members to achieve excellence in all aspects of their operations — from animal welfare to community engagement.
Vision
All African organisations holding wildlife in human care are accredited, credible, and effective centres of excellence.
Mission
To inspire, guide and assist all African zoos, aquaria, and like-minded facilities holding wild animals in human care to become effective and credible centres of animal welfare, conservation, public education and environmental study.
Our Purpose
- To establish and uphold a framework for professional accreditation and ethical standards in wildlife care across Africa
- To support member institutions in their roles as conservation leaders, educators, and research contributors
- To amplify Africa’s voice and role in the global zoological and aquaria community
- To foster regional collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals in the field
Our Values
- Integrity: We uphold transparency, responsibility, and accountability in all that we do
- Excellence: We champion the pursuit of best practice in animal welfare, conservation, education, and research
- Collaboration: We believe in collective strength and the sharing of knowledge across borders
- Respect for Life: We honour the dignity of all living beings and the ecosystems they inhabit
- Inclusivity: We welcome diverse perspectives and promote equitable access to opportunities in the field
- Innovation: We embrace forward-thinking approaches that respond to the changing needs of wildlife and the planet