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Press Releases

Zoos and Aquariums Kick Off Year of the Frog on Leap Day
February 29, 2006
Today, Leap Day, more than 100 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America, joined by their counterparts around the globe, kicked off the Year of the Frog to educate people about the amphibian conservation crisis. [more]

Leapin' Lizards It's The Geico Gecko At The Houston Zoo
February 28, 2008
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) and the Houston Zoo today, joined by the popular GEICO Gecko costume character and 150 students from Dodson Elementary School, launched the live GEICO Gecko exhibit at the Houston Zoo. [more]

Zoo Support for Elephant Conservation Hits Record Levels
January 8, 2008
The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) today announced their support for 15 new elephant conservation projects for 2008, marking a record level of support. [more]

Statement of AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy on AZA Accreditation
December 28, 2007
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) President and CEO Jim Maddy issued a statement regarding AZA accreditation standards. [more]

Statement of AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy Regarding Tiger Incident at the San Francisco Zoo
December 26, 2007
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) President and CEO Jim Maddy issued the following statement regarding the tiger incident at the San Francisco Zoo: "The entire zoo and aquarium community joins me in expressing sympathy to the family of the guest that lost his life and our deepest hope that the two injured guests will recover." [more]

2007 Top Ten Wildlife Conservation Success Stories
December 18, 2007
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) today announced its top 10 wildlife conservation success stories for 2007. From amphibians to zebras, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are spearheading new efforts to protect wild animals - in some cases bringing them back from the brink of extinction. [more]

AZA Announces Conservation Endowment Fund Grants
November 5, 2007
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) today announced that the AZA Conservation Endowment Fund (CEF) has awarded $310,000 to 19 wildlife conservation initiatives. [more]

GEICO to Become Proud Partner of America's Zoos and Aquariums
September 26, 2007
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) have announced a strategic partnership to promote zoo and aquarium wildlife conservation. The announcement took place at AZA's 83rd Annual Convention in Philadelphia. [more]

Carnival Cruise Lines Helps Protect Endangered Species With Donation to Association Of Zoos and Aquariums
February 5, 2007
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced today a $10,000 start-up donation from the Carnival Foundation to its Amphibian Conservation Program. AZA's 214 zoos and aquariums are increasing their efforts to provide a safe haven for amphibians as they face the dire threat of extinction in the wild. [more]

Zoo Elephants Thriving
December 12, 2006
Comments filed yesterday by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveal new data that demonstrates elephants in accredited zoos are in very good health.
[more]

A New Day for AZA
September 26, 2006
Today at its Annual Conference, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) ushered in a new era with a new name, new logo and new leader. With these changes, the association is poised for a future of growth, action and leadership in wildlife conservation. [more]

Ground breaking Study Identifies Impact Of Zoo And Aquarium Visits
September 21, 2006
Going to accredited zoos and aquariums in North America has a measurable impact on the conservation attitudes and understanding of adult visitors, according to a three-year research project released today by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). [more]