The Animal Keepers Association of Africa (AKAA) – an African Network for Ethical and Competent Animal Keepers & Shape-Africa Working Together to Succeed

R. Ingle-Möller, Environmental Enrichment Coordinator, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

Pretoria , South Africa

robynn.ingle@gmail.com

Africa is the world's second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² it comprises 53 countries of a total continental population of a billion people. Despite boasting the world's largest densities of free-ranging wild animal populations, the African Assocation of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB) nonetheless estimate over 200 zoos and zoo-type facilities in Africa . In 2005 the Animal Keepers Association of Africa (AKAA) and SHAPE-Africa 2008 were inaugurated with the support and backing of PAAZAB and since then both have stepped up to the challenge of enabling experiential learning opportunities for zoo keepers in Africa. In 2005 the AKAA became members of the ICZ and subsequently become active members. The AKAA has already over 200 members in 12 countries and have held conferences, workshops on enrichment and activities where both AKAA and SHAPE-Africa have striven to fulfil their mandates of developing a network of ethical and competent animal keepers through partnerships and proactive initiatives within Africa , for Africa , by Africa .