American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums Inc

“The organization has members as set forth in article vi of the bylaws.”

“The membership elects on an annual basis, the governing body pursuant to article iv, section 2 of the bylaws.”

“Members have voting rights with respect to amendments of the organization's governing documents and other major decisions (such as dissolution or merger decisions) pursuant to article ix of the bylaws.”

“The 990 is prepared by an independent audit firm in conjunction with the aza senior vice president of finance. The draft form 990 is reviewed by legal counsel, ceo, executive vice-president, and the finance and audit committee of the board of directors. The draft is provided to the board of directors prior to submission to the irs.”

“The organization's historic practice has been for members of the board of directors to sign an acknowledgment of the conflict of interest policy upon commencement of their term on the board, and thereafter for any board members with a conflict or potential conflict to timely disclose this and not participate or deliberate on any such matter. The organization asks officers and key employees to similarly acknowledge the conflict of interest policy. All board members, officers and key employees are asked to sign an annual statement reiterating such acknowledgment and disclosing any conflicts or potential conflicts covered by the policy.”

“The aza compensation committee is comprised of the board chair, board vice chair, past chair, and chair elect. On a regular basis, this group reviews compensation matters regarding the aza president and ceo. The committee reviews current compensation, comparability data and performance. In 2024, the board chair executed an employment agreement for 2024-2026, which defined compensation for those years. The board chair is responsible for providing written authorization to the aza senior vice president of finance for implementation of any compensation change for that position.”

“The organization makes its governing documents available to the public through its website and on request. The conflict of interest policy is made available upon request. Requests for the financial statements are considered on a case by case basis.”

“Aza is an educational organization dedicated to the advancement of zoological parks and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, and conservation education.”

“Under the endangered species act (esa); 2) u.s. Native animal species listed under the esa that were rescued from the wild; and 3) animals listed as threatened or endangered under the esa and/or species listed in the appendices of the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (cites) confiscated by the u.s. Government at, or destined for, u.s. Ports and borders and held in animal care facilities. Eligible facilities do not have to be aza-accredited or certified to be eligible to receive captive care reimbursements. Aza received, processed, and screened all proposals for completeness and contacted applicants if questions arose. Aza responded to queries from applicants about the program, submission, process, and status of proposals. Eligible applications were reviewed by fws (in coordination with the national marine fisheries service) and approved by the fws director.”