Zoo Trust International was founded in 2003 by David Longo, with an initial focus on facilitating the responsible import and export of avian species from Canada. From its inception, the organization has operated with an emphasis on regulatory compliance, animal welfare, and adherence to international standards governing wildlife trade.
Over time, Zoo Trust International has navigated complex regulatory environments across multiple jurisdictions, gaining practical experience with permitting processes, documentation requirements, and cross-border logistics. This includes alignment with frameworks such as CITES, as well as national and regional wildlife authorities.
Through this experience, the organization has refined its operational model to ensure transparency, traceability, and ethical sourcing practices. What began within private aviculture and herpetology has since evolved into a broader zoological platform capable of supporting institutional standards and international collaboration.
Today, Zoo Trust International operates with a clear mandate: to facilitate responsible, compliant, and ethically grounded animal management practices while supporting conservation-aligned initiatives and global cooperation.
Founder & Regulatory Experience
Founder David Longo brings over four decades of experience in aviculture, herpetology, aquaculture and zoological operations, supported by practical training as a veterinary technician and the ownership of a private zoological facility.
His work spans breeding programs, animal care, and international species management, including recognition through multiple first breeding achievements. In addition to operational experience, he has contributed to the field through public speaking and the publication of dozens of articles across multiple languages and international platforms.
Field research conducted throughout the Americas, particularly involving parrot species in their natural habitats, provides an added layer of ecological understanding that informs both ethical sourcing and long-term sustainability considerations.
This combination of practical, academic, and field-based expertise enables a comprehensive understanding of both the biological and regulatory dimensions of wildlife management.
Government, Institutional & Investment Collaboration
Zoo Trust International actively engages with government agencies, zoological institutions, and regulatory bodies to support compliant and transparent wildlife management initiatives. The organization is experienced in working within established legal frameworks and is committed to maintaining full alignment with applicable permitting systems and international agreements, including CITES.
With ongoing and developing projects across multiple countries, Zoo Trust International is positioned to contribute to initiatives involving conservation programs, controlled breeding efforts, and the development of regulated facilities. Particular emphasis is placed on documentation integrity, chain-of-custody transparency, and adherence to best practices in animal welfare.
The organization welcomes collaboration with public and private stakeholders seeking a knowledgeable and compliant partner capable of navigating complex regulatory environments while delivering measurable and ethical outcomes.
