In ancient times rulers and wealthy people kept collections of wild animals. The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) kept a collection of live animals and made a scientific study of them. The Romans collected animals from all over their vast empire for display and gladiatorial combat. During the Middle Ages exhibits of wild animals were popular, and many noblemen had private zoos. The Aztecs of Mexico and the Incas of Peru maintained royal menageries.

One of the first zoos designed for public exhibition and scientific research was the Jardin des Plantes (Plant Garden), a fine collection of plants and animals that was opened in Paris in 1793. By the end of the 19th century there were zoos open to the public in several large European cities and in the United States.

The American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, founded in 1924, is a professional organization for zoo and aquarium employees. It publishes a monthly newsletter and sponsors ISIS, International Species Inventory System, a computer census of zoo and aquarium animals, which is used for selecting animals for breeding. The association's headquarters are in Wheeling, West Virginia.