The African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB) 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, aquaria and botanical gardens on the African continent. PAAZAB represented a total of 70 institutional, affiliate and associate members in 12 African countries.

One of the primary functions of PAAZAB was to promote zoos and aquariums as professional entities in healing the relationship between man, animal and their mutual environment. During the evolution of time, the need arose to embrace the changing world and a new face was created to best showcase that PAAZAB and its membership was also changing. This new face became known as PAAZA in 2014.

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.