In February 2005, the United Zoological Association (UZA) and the International Society of Zooculturists (ISZ) united to form the Zoological Association of America (ZAA).  ISZ began in 1987 focusing on "animals only" related issues while UZA began in 2000 and also focused on animal related issues.  ISZ and UZA were initiated by people from both the private and public sector. 

While each originally had individual and institutional members, ISZ's membership was primarily individuals, and UZA membership was primarily institutions.  In fact, UZA initiated an accreditation program in 2002 for both private and public institutional members. 

Subsequently, in 2002, the two organizations began holding joint annual meetings and discussions began on how ISZ and UZA might better serve their respective memberships by joining as a single organization.  After holding their respective annual meetings jointly for three years, the two organizations agreed to meet in February 2005 for the purpose of formal unification of ISZ and UZA. 

ZAA is the result of that meeting, as both ISZ and UZA ceased to exist.  Since joining forces as ZAA, this organization has grown significantly.  Prominent new members and numerous important programs have been added and are being put into place.  Theses include bylaws, animal facility guidelines, accreditation guidelines, and an animal surplus list - to mention a few.