In their work with fauna and faunal habitats, zoologists face ethical issues concerning the handling of animals and decisions that affect their habitats. Zoologists are not alone in facing ethical choices, for it is clear from the print media that the topic of professional ethics in the work environment is of general public interest. While the ethical dilemmas faced by zoologists do not dominate their daily work life, nonetheless they are more common and pervasive than is generally acknowledged. Past neglect of such issues has created an environment in which ethical matters are either not identified, or are recognized too late and then handled poorly. It is becoming increasingly urgent that zoologists recognize the scale of the problem and develop appropriate guidelines so that they can conduct their science within the framework of an ethical code.