Association of Zoos and Aquariums Awards Prestigious Accreditation to 33 World-Class Facilities

Silver Spring, Md. ( September 19, 2024) - Twice a year, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) independent Accreditation Commission reviews accreditation applications from the best zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in the world. At this year's Annual Conference held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, during September 14-19, the Commission reviewed 34 facility applications. Of those, 33 facilities were granted accreditation, and one was denied.

"Earning AZA accreditation is a mark of excellence and a testament to a zoo or aquarium's unwavering dedication to the highest standards of animal care and conservation," said Dan Ashe, president and chief executive officer at AZA. "Accreditation celebrates the passion and dedication of the hardworking individuals who make up our community. By visiting AZA-accredited facilities, visitors ensure they receive a wonderful educational experience in a safe environment where every animal they encounter receives the very best care."

The following facilities earned AZA accreditation:

• Blank Park Zoo
• Bronx Zoo
• Brookfield Zoo Chicago
• Brookgreen Gardens
• Buttonwood Park Zoo
• Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park
• Clyde Peeling's Reptiland
• Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
• Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
• Greensboro Science Center
• Greenville Zoo
• Henry Vilas Zoo
• Hutchinson Zoo
• International Crane Foundation
• Longneck Manor
• Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
• Miller Park Zoo
• Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
• New York Aquarium
• Oglebay's Good Zoo
• Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
• Peoria Zoo
• Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
• Pueblo Zoo
• Rosamond Gifford Zoo
• SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
• Seneca Park Zoo
• Smithsonian's National Zoological Park and Conservation Biology Institute
• Utica Zoo
• Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre
• Virginia Zoo
• Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

"Congratulations to the zoological parks and aquariums that have earned AZA accreditation," said Ashe. "Your dedication not only enhances the lives of the animals you care for but also sets the standard for excellence in the zoological community."

Reflecting the rigor of AZA's standards and the accountability of its accreditation process, the following application for accreditation was denied:

Any existing member denied accreditation has 30 days to appeal its denial to the AZA board of directors.

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility's operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-increasing standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

Of the 34 accreditation applications reviewed during the AZA Annual Conference, three were new applicants, one of which was an AZA Pathway Toward Membership program participant.

As a result of these accreditation decisions, there are now 252 AZA-accredited facilities throughout the United States and12 other countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.

About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 12 other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

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