The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is pleased to announce that 13 members have achieved 25 years of continuous AZA accreditation.
“We are proud of each institution for its commitment to upholding the highest standards in animal care, wellbeing, conservation, safety, and more,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “Congratulations to the leadership and staff for their ongoing dedication to the best modern zoological practices and philosophies.”
First granted accreditation in 2001, AZA congratulates the following members for 25 years of excellence with the AZA Accreditation Quarter Century Award:
- Birmingham Zoo - Birmingham, Ala.
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery - Dayton, Ohio.
- Cabrillo Marine Aquarium - San Pedro, Calif.
- Elmwood Park Zoo - Norristown, Pa.
- Endangered Wolf Center - Eureka, Mo.
- Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center - West Yellowstone, Mont.
- Lion Country Safari - Loxahatchee, Fla.
- Little Rock Zoo - Little Rock, Ark.
- Naples Zoo - Naples, Fla.
- Scovill Zoo - Decatur, Ill.
- South Carolina Aquarium - Charleston, S.C.
- Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo - Millbrook, N.Y.
- Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center - Virginia Beach, Va.
AZA accreditation is a thorough and rigorous process overseen by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, which is comprised of 14 experienced and trained experts in operations, animal welfare and husbandry, and veterinary medicine. These experts are sworn to maintain complete impartiality in their judgments and to thoroughly examine each zoo or aquarium that applies for AZA accreditation to determine whether AZA standards are being met. Only those facilities that earn AZA accreditation can become members of AZA.
Facilities seeking AZA accreditation within the next five years may also consider joining AZA’s Pathway Toward Membership Program, which helps to prepare facilities for the accreditation process.
The history of AZA accreditation:
1971 – In response to a growing concern for animal care in the United States, AZA appointed a committee to establish a set of best practices to collectively improve professional operations among the zoological park and aquarium community.
1974 – The first facility was accredited by AZA. Accreditation was a voluntary process at the time.
1985 – AZA made the bold decision to prioritize quality over quantity and made accreditation a mandatory requirement for AZA membership. Despite the resulting 75% drop in membership, AZA held firm in its decision. This led to a rise in animal husbandry and care among zoological parks and aquariums across the country as they began striving to reach the standards required for AZA membership and accreditation.
Today – AZA accreditation is the global gold standard of the zoo and aquarium community, with 254 AZA-accredited facilities in 12 countries. AZA-accredited members welcome over 209 million visitors annually.
By visiting AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, the public can be assured that they are supporting facilities focused on advancing animal care and wellbeing, supporting educational experiences with animals, and empowering wildlife conservation.