why the ZIMS Project? 

Current data management tools are becoming outdated and cannot handle the complexities of dynamic zoo and aquarium collections, particularly animal groups. (Most fish and invertebrate collections poorly documented.)

Because data cannot be easily shared across applications and there are no comprehensive data standards, extraction of data for analysis is challenging. Species managers and studbook keepers spend hours cleaning up and maintaining duplicate datasets.

It’s not just about the software
In 2000, ISIS, the organization that manages the centralized zoological database, recognized the need for some dramatic changes in our current information systems and held a Futures Search meeting to work towards change. At the same time, an information study commissioned by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) found that in addition to having outdated tools, there was a significant need to improve data standards, training and the infrastructure to maintain more modern data management practices.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

"The ZIMS Project is an opportunity for us to raise the bar on animal information management which will have both institutional and global benefits."
John Lewis, past president, AZA  

"Our current animal information systems are critically in need of change."  
Jerry Borin, past ISIS Board Chair 

"The ZIMS Project will deliver much needed technology and promote IT
best practices across institutions.’" 
Robert Erhardt, chief technology officer, Zoological Society of San Diego

how are animal professionals addressing the problem?
In 2001, the AZA Animal Data Information Systems Committee (ADISC) hired the Inteq Group (database technology consultants) to define a comprehensive solution. The Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) Project was initiated as a sound process for developing a new software system and the infrastructure to support it.

In February 2002, the Global Animal Data Group met in Costa Rica to discuss the needs of the international community. This group endorsed the ZIMS Project and formed the International Animal Data Information Systems Committe (IADISC) to move the project forward at a global level.

 Global Animal Data Group meeting