The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has named Jim Breheny, director of the Bronx Zoo, as its new chair.

As chair, Breheny, along with three other executive officers and nine board members, will be involved in every aspect of the organisation, overseeing the AZA’s 231 accredited members.

Responsible for the operation and management of the Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium, the Central Park, Prospect Park and Queens Zoos, Breheny has also been a member of the Wildlife Conservation Society for 44 years – 36 years as a full time staff member.

In 2016, Breheny launched, along with Animal Planet, a television docu-series called THE ZOO, which offers a look at Bronx Zoo as staff care for its animals. The series is currently taping its second season.

“Jim has been a strong and influential voice within the AZA community for years,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of AZA.

“His experience in animal welfare and husbandry, combined with an incredible commitment to field conservation and saving species, make him well-suited to lead us as the next chair of the AZA Board of Directors.

“He is a respected member of our community and will help us continue to advance our profession.”

Each year, AZA’s 231 accredited facilities collectively contribute an estimated US$216m (€181.5m, £161.5m) to field conservation projects that help to protect species worldwide. The organisation’s members also serve more than 196 million visitors, welcome more than 12 million students on educational field trips, contribute US$22.5bn (€18.9bn, £16.8bn) to the US economy and support 208,000 jobs.