History of the ASZK   Eight keepers from Adelaide Zoo first formed the Australasian Society of Zoo Keeping (ASZK) in 1976. It was originally called the Australasian Society of Animal Management, which was changed to the Australasian Society of Zoo Keepers in 1980, and finally renamed the Australasian Society of Zoo Keeping in 1991.   The ASZK is primarily a professional organisation which seeks to promote the exchange of information on all aspects of wild animal husbandry, and in so doing add to the conservation of rare and endangered species. The Society achieves these objectives through the production of journals, newsletters and through a series of workshops and conferences which are held throughout the Australasian region.   Since its inception, the ASZK has adopted the Thylacine (or Tasmanian Tiger) as its logo. The Thylacine is one of the most fabled animals in the world, yet despite its fame today it was once persecuted by European settlers. After only a century of European settlement the Thylacine was pushed to the brink of extinction, with the last known Thylacine dying in the now defunct Beaumaris (Hobart) Zoo on 7th September, 1936. It is a sobering thought that had the Thylacine been managed by professional Zoo Keepers, it may not have become designated to the long list of Australian species which have become extinct since the colonisation of Australia by Europeans. One of the goals of the ASZK is the continued development of the professionalism of Zoo Keeping in the Australasian region and apply the lessons learned from the loss of the Thylacine is to ensure that the rich natural heritage of our island continent is no longer jeopardised.   Since 1976, the ASZK has produced a journal called "thylacinus", which provides a vehicle for keepers to disseminate the latest in captive husbandry techniques and advances In addition, the ASZK occasionally produces an electronic newsletter called "Cybercinus" which is e-mailed to members that have registered their e-mail address with us.   The ASZK currently holds an annual conference which is rotated around the country. It focuses on submitted papers as well as workshops aimed at giving keepers skills. The ASZK has a number of branches around the country many of which focus on fundraising for keeper development and conservation.   Additionally ASZK hold training workshops on specialist topics to assist in keeper development and occasionally holds events to fundraise for various conservation activities which has included the Bilby and the Asian Rhinos.