African Association for Wildlife in Human Care Become a member
A family of mountain gorillas resting among green leaves

About the AAWHC

One body for Africa’s wildlife in care

A collaborative regional body representing Africa’s leading wildlife institutions.

We provide a platform for professional collaboration, regional support and strategic leadership in the care of wildlife.

A herd of elephants walking in single file A colony of pink flamingos wading in a lagoon A family of mountain gorillas resting among leaves Zebra crossing open plains Two white rhinos grazing side by side

Animal welfare

Who we are

The African Association for Wildlife in Human Care (AAWHC) is 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.

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.

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.

  • Animal welfare
  • Conservation
  • Public education
  • Environmental study
Three young lions resting together
An African penguin standing upright
A giraffe standing in green grass

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

Four commitments

01

Accreditation and ethics

To establish and uphold a framework for professional accreditation and ethical standards in wildlife care across Africa.

A cheetah stepping out of the bush in the Maasai Mara

02

Conservation leadership

To support member institutions in their roles as conservation leaders, educators and research contributors.

An African wild dog standing in dry grass

03

Africa’s voice

To amplify Africa’s voice and role in the global zoological and aquarium community.

A flamingo wading through blue water

04

Shared knowledge

To foster regional collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals in the field.

A giraffe walking across the open plains of the Masai Mara

Our values

What guides us

  • 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.

Leadership

Our directors

Registered non-profit company 2025/205530/08

  • T RehseChair
  • L OellermannDirector
  • K HeynisDirector
  • N BeukesDirector
  • L GordonDirector
  • D GloverDirector
Two white rhinos grazing side by side

Membership

Join the association

Membership is open to zoos, aquaria and like-minded facilities across Africa that hold wild animals in human care and share our commitment to accredited, ethical practice.

Ask about membership