The main goals of the Portuguese Association of Zoos and Aquariums are to represent, administrate, promote and protect the common interests of its members, on a non-profit level, namely but not exclusively in the fields of economy, scientific research and dissemination, education and nature conservation.
In order to attain and develop these goals, the APZA will provide for their members on the following ends:
1º. – Incrementar a relação entre instituições, com a finalidade de potenciar o seu nível técnico e educativo. 1. Expand the connections between the institutions, in order to improve their technical and educational level;  4º. – Dinamizar a investigação zoológica nos seus membros. 4. Stimulate the development of scientific research activities among its member institutions;  | 2º. – Incrementar o conhecimento biológico sobre os animais de cada instituição, com o propósito de colaboração em programas científicos e de conservação das espécies e, ao mesmo tempo, conseguir um maior bem-estar dos próprios animais. 2. Expand the biological knowledge regarding the zoological species of each institution with the aim of both cooperating in scientific and conservation programmes and enhancing of the animals’ welfare;  5º. – Angariar e divulgar informação científica, educativa e cultural pertinente para a actividade dos seus membros. 5. Collect and disseminate relevant information, on the scientific, educational and cultural levels, in order to enhance the activity of its members.  | 3º. – Cooperar com a Administração Pública na elaboração do modelo legal zoológico e noutros interesses comuns, como porta-voz e intérprete das instituições zoológicas. 3. Collaborate with the Public Administration in the elaboration of the zoological legal model as well as in other shared interests, such as, taking on the role of spokesman and mediator among the zoological institutions;  |