The African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA) was formed in 1989 at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa as an organization aimed at representing the interests of bona fide zoos and aquaria on the African continent. PAAZA currently represents a total of 70 institutional, affiliate and associate members in 12 African countries.

The association upholds modern zoo best practice in the provision of supportive environments for the animals, personnel and public; active involvement in the maintenance of biodiversity; management for the wider benefit of the community and the provision of education opportunities for learning about animals and their environments.

PAAZA sees one of the primary functions of zoos and aquariums as healing the relationship between man, animal and their mutual environment.