Our Mission and Vision
SAAKA was founded in December 2024 to create a unified community of animal care professionals committed to enhancing animal welfare standards, promoting sustainable practices, and driving conservation efforts. By linking diverse facilities such as zoos, sanctuaries, aquaria, research institutions, and private keepers, SAAKA aims to support and empower the remarkable work being done across the region.
Our Objectives
- Facilitate Communication: Develop a digital platform to encourage seamless collaboration, supported by a point system to promote continuous learning and professional growth.
- Resource Exchange: Create systems for sharing expertise, equipment, and knowledge to maximize efficiency among members.
- Training and Development: Organize workshops, webinars, and training sessions focused on cutting-edge husbandry and conservation techniques.
- Advocacy and Support: Represent the collective interests of animal keepers in local and international discussions on welfare and conservation policies.
Proposed Activities
- Launch an interactive online communication portal.
- Host quarterly meetings and an annual conference to share insights and explore industry trends.
- Build partnerships with educational institutions and NGOs to support research and training initiatives.
- Develop a tailored database of best practices for the Southern African context.
Join Us in Making an Impact
Your involvement in SAAKA will help enhance collaboration among animal facilities and SAAKA was founded in December 2024 to create a unified community of animal care professionals committed to enhancing animal welfare standards, promoting sustainable practices, and driving conservation efforts. By linking diverse facilities such as zoos, sanctuaries, aquaria, research institutions, and private keepers, SAAKA aims to support and empower the remarkable work being done across the across the region.
We warmly invite you to join this exciting initiative and become part of a growing network of professionals dedicated to making a difference.
Become a Member
How You Can Support SAAKA
We kindly request your consideration for the following:
- Membership: Become a supporting member of SAAKA to demonstrate your commitment to the professional development of your staff and the wider animal keeping community.
- Speaker Engagements: Share your expertise by allowing experienced staff members to present at our upcoming workshops and conferences.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Encourage senior keepers to mentor aspiring professionals within our association.
- Financial Support: If possible, provide financial contributions to support SAAKA’s activities and initiatives.
Become a Member
We warmly invite you to join this exciting initiative and become part of a growing network of professionals dedicated to making a difference.
Your support in this endeavor would be invaluable.
Annual Membership fee: