CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP

I. TRUSTEES:
These are the founding members of the association whose names and contact details are annexed to this constitution.

II. FULL MEMBERS:
a) Professional:
Full time animal keepers including retired full time animal keepers. Part time animal keepers including part time retired animal keepers (Part-time animal keeper defined in bullet below). Includes aquarists, veterinary, or research/ other affiliated technicians to animal care.
b) Affiliate Staff:
(Curators, supervisors, commissary, etc), docents, volunteers and supporters of the animal care profession.
c) Student:
(Will be requested to provide student identification)

III. ASSOCIATE, HONORARY AND COMMERCIAL MEMBERS:
a. Associate Membership:
Institutions supporting wildlife conservation which meet the Full membership eligibility criteria as laid down in section of this constitution.
b. Honorary Membership:
An individual who has made unique, seminal contribution to the zoo keeping is eligible for election to Honorary Membership. The number of Honorary Members cannot exceed one 10 in a calendar year. Under extraordinary circumstances, the Annual general meeting may exceed the normal yearly limitation. Election required the unanimous vote of the executive committee A Member of the association may nominate someone to the status of Honorary Membership by sending a brief (no longer than one page) advocacy statement discussion the candidate to the chairperson executive committee.
c. Commercial membership:
Institutions/ individuals which will relate with the Association in contribution to aid it achieve its objectives.

GENERAL BENEFITS OF THE ZOO KEEPER’S ASSOCIATION UGANDA MEMBERSHIP
ZKAU’s purpose is to foster a professional attitude in animal care givers and aquarists by encouraging them to become active members of professional teams at today’s zoos and aquariums.
ZKAU supports the promotion and implementation of zookeeper education and strives to make the general public aware of our concern for all deserving conservation projects and the need for the preservation of our natural resources and the species that depend on those resources. Serving as a professional organization for zookeepers, ZKAU is a valuable resource for dedicated animal care workers.
ZKAU is dedicated to advancing animal care, promoting public awareness, enhancing professional development and contributing to local and global conservation through fundraising and stewardship.
Our goal is to inspire and motivate through our roles as animal caregivers, educators and conservationists. Through workshops, conferences, newsletters, and internet forums, ZKAU helps animal care staff stay current in husbandry, training, nutrition, and conservation. Well educated keepers using modern techniques means the animals in their care benefit tremendously.
ZKAU trainings, covering topics ranging in wildlife animal husbandry for different taxa, training, behavioural enrichment, animal welfare, strategic planning, exhibit design, and much more
The Zoo keeper’s Association Uganda ZKAU will host a national conference in a different zoo. This conference will bring ZKAU members, conservation groups, vendors, etc. together to showcase the many happenings of the previous year. As a ZKAU member, you are eligible for reduced rates, special programs, and much more. Professional Networking & Personal Connections ZKAU creates a medium for like-minded animal care professionals who are seeking to improve themselves, their facilities, and the natural world by coming together and sharing their ideas.
Growth in leadership and gaining valuable practical experience: experience with different skills such as fundraising and financial management.
Sharing knowledge, success and challenges by authoring papers for presentation at conferences, workshops or publishing in the Animal Keepers’ Forum.
ZKAU provides an outlet to help support non-profit conservation causes of the members and for areas they are passionate about. A few examples of such events are:
• ZKAU’s flagship/ conservation fundraisers
• ZKAU Grant eligibility
ZKAU promotes better wellbeing and economic empowerment of its members through promotion of income generating innovations such as the ecotourism, foundation, and a saving and credit scheme.

DIRECT BENEFITS TO THE MEMBERS
1. Participate in any of the national ZKAU committees.
2. Participate in any of the national ZKAU programs
3. Participate in local and national conservation efforts
4. Attend national conferences and regional workshops at a membership rate.

SPECIFIC BENEFITS
TRUSTEES:

i) Attend the General Assembly
ii) Support and advise the Annual general meeting and the President on fulfilling their tasks and duties
iii) May define the tasks and duties of the annual general meeting and stipulate their rules of procedure
iv) Elect three of their members as representatives of the Board of Directors
v) As founding members shall be permanent members of the board of trustees
vi) The trustees shall vet members who express interest to occupy membership the board of directors

FULL MEMBERS:
i) Attend the General Assembly and participate fully where possible and by recommending the association as much as possible
ii) Explore Accounts of the Association
iii) Vote and stand for electable positions in the association
iv) Training programs organized by the association

ASSOCIATE AND HONORARY MEMBERS:
i) Attend the General Assembly
ii) Participate fully where possible and by recommending the association
iii) Explore accounts of the association
iv) Access to information regarding new sources of funding.
v) Exemption to provincial subscription fees
vi) Act as ambassadors to the association

COMMERCIAL MEMBERS:
Their rights and duties will be as described in their memorandum of understanding with the association.