ZOS is one of the older NGOs registered under the Societies Act in Zambia having been in existence since the mid 1960s. The object of the Society is to stimulate interest in and to further the study and conservation of birds in Zambia. We are also the National Affiliate of BirdLife International.

ZOS has always had a committed core membership with a high degree of technical skills capable of maintaining a constant output of high quality ornithological research which is regularly published in internal and external scientific publications. Grouped around this core of expertise is a committed and knowledgable membership providing freely of their time towards ZOS's many activities including a monthly Newsletter and frequent walks and field outings.

The day to day affairs of the Society are managed by a democratically elected executive committee comprising nine members who are elected annually to office at the Annual General Meeting. The nine members of the executive committee comprise a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and five ordinary members. The tenth member of the executive committee, the Technical Advisor (TA), is not elected but co-opted and has no voting rights. The TA is selected from a small group of internationally recognised ornithologists living in Zambia. The ZOS executive committee meets monthly to conduct the formal business of the Society.

The core functions of the Society have always been financed from member's subscriptions and other internal fund raising activities. In addition, the Society, which has gained an enviable reputation for credibility and accountability, has been successful in acquiring grant financing for specific projects such as the publication of books and journals.