About the Journal

JZAR |  Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research

JZAR is an initiative of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria). EAZA represents and links over 400 member institutions in 48 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and beyond. Formed in 1992, EAZA’s mission is to facilitate cooperation within the European zoo and aquarium community, with the aim of furthering professional standards in animal care and presentation and contributing to scientific research and global biodiversity conservation.

Aim of the Journal

The Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (JZAR) provides a forum for publication of original research papers, short reports, evidence-based practice articles and reviews. Through their living collections, field conservation activities and engagement with people, zoos and aquaria are uniquely placed to advance our understanding of conservation, and associated activities.

JZAR aims to support the publication of high-quality science which generates evidence to underpin the progression of zoos and aquariums, which through its application can support evidence-based decision making. Sharing this knowledge will improve the global impact of zoos and aquariums, and bring benefits to their living collections, wild nature and people.  The core values of JZAR are:

  • a questioning approach, leading to scientific experimentation;
    • meticulous observation, enumeration and analysis, replacing anecdotal description;
    • recording and cataloguing evidence for systematic retrieval.

Scope of the Journal

The Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (JZAR) accepts submissions undertaken in, or in collaboration with, zoos and aquariums. Through the dissemination of high-quality research, we aim to foster an evidence-based culture that supports and progresses zoo and aquarium practices—ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for animals, plants, people and the planet.

JZAR welcomes submissions from a broad range of disciplines, including:

  • Pure and applied biological sciences (e.g., behaviour, genetics, medicine, nutrition, population management, and reproduction)
  • In situ conservation research (e.g., socio-economic and field studies)
  • Research on the evolving roles of zoos and aquariums (e.g., visitor learning, education, and marketing)

We accept a range of article types: original research, short reports, evidence-based practice articles, and reviews. Please refer to the Notes for Authors for detailed submission requirements and guidance.

Our Vision

Our vision is to support the publication of research that generates actionable evidence to inform decisions, improve practices, and enhance outcomes across the zoo and aquarium sector. JZAR provides a platform to enable global sharing of what works, and why.

Publication Schedule

JZAR is published quarterly: January, April, July and October.

Manuscript Submission Guidelines

Manuscripts should be submitted via the online submission system (registration and login required). Submission of a manuscript implies that the content is original and has not been published, submitted, or accepted for publication elsewhere, either in whole or in substantial part. This does not preclude prior presentation at conferences, in-house reporting, or publication as an abstract.

The type of submission (e.g., original research, short report, evidence-based article, review) must be clearly indicated at the time of submission.

Authors may recommend up to four potential referees, although the Editors retain full discretion over the selection of reviewers.

The Editors reserve the right to fast-track the review and publication of high-profile papers, commissioned reviews, or timely topical articles.

For detailed information on manuscript preparation, article types, publication ethics, and editorial policies, please refer to the full [Author Guidelines].

Note: Single case studies or case reports in veterinary medicine are not generally considered for publication.