The 1st International Congress on Zoo Keeping 4 – 7 October 2003 Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands.

The first International Congress on Zookeeping was held at Avifauna in the Netherlands between the 4th and the 7th October 2003.

In the time since the first ICZ, the founding representatives from the seven professional Keeper Associations have agreed to work together in developing the group into a formal Association dedicated to the development of Zoo Keeping as a profession at an international level, and assist the establishment of professional Zoo Keeper Associations in those regions where such groups do not currently exist.

Over 300 Keepers from 27 different countries attended the conference and the variety of workshops, paper presentations and other developmental opportunities which were included in the programme. In addition, the tours to a number of zoological facilities within the region allowed everybody to view “behind the scenes” and experience some of the most modern practices in animal husbandry, exhibit design, and visitor and education facilities.