Vet examines condor at Oklahoma City Zoo
Global Conservation Leadership
Over the last five years, AZA-accredited institutions supported more than 3,700 conservation projects with $90,000,000 annually in more than 100 countries. In addition, zoo and aquarium scientists contribute to hundreds of conservation, biology, and veterinary science publications.
Saving Endangered Species
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are leaders in the protection of endangered species. Twenty years ago, AZA established the Species Survival Plan Program™ (SSP), which is a long-term plan involving conservation breeding, habitat preservation, public education, field conservation, and supportive research to ensure survival for many of the planet's threatened and endangered species. Currently, AZA members are involved in 116 SSPs working on behalf of 172 species.
Experts in Animal Care
Highly-trained staff at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are providing excellent care for more than 800,000 animals. As part of AZA's mandatory accreditation process, AZA members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, veterinary care, wildlife conservation, scientific research, education, expert staffing, and safety. Read more about AZA's accreditation standards.
Economic Engines
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums enhance local and regional economies, collectively generating $8.4 billion in annual economic activity and supporting more than 126,000 jobs.
Science Education
In the last 10 years, AZA-accredited zoos
and aquariums formally trained more that 400,000 teachers, supporting
science curricula with effective teaching materials and hands-on
opportunities. School field trips connected more than 12,000,000
students with the natural world.
Popular Family Fun
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AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums attracted more than 175 million
visitors in 2008. Approximately 50 million visitors were children,
making accredited zoos and aquariums some of the best places for
families to connect with nature and each other.
Conservation Volunteerism
As centers for conservation involvement, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums offer the public a great way to discover connections to their environment and to learn how they can make a difference in conservation. Annually, more than 60,000 people invest over 3,000,000 hours supporting their communities by volunteering at local zoos and aquariums.
Look for the AZA Logo
Founded
in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit 501c(3)
organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of
conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo
whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting
an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great
experience for you, and a better future for all living things.