AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums undergo a thorough review that includes a detailed accreditation application as well as a multiple day on-site inspection by a team of experts from around the country. Learn more about how AZA Accreditation works.
April 2013 Accreditation Results
AZA is pleased to announce the results of the Accreditation Commission hearings held in April 2013 in Charleston, South Carolina.
We would like to welcome a new member institution, Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Norwalk, Conn.
Accredited for another cycle were Alexandria Zoological Park, Alexandria, La.; Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, La.; Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, Fla.;El Paso Zoo, El Paso, Texas; Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth, Texas; Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Ga.; Houston Zoo, Inc., Houston, Texas; Louisville Zoological Garden, Louisville, Ky.; Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Sarasota, Fla.; Ocean Park Corporation, Aberdeen, Hong Kong; Rainforest and Aquarium at Moody Gardens, Galveston, Texas; Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg, Tenn.; Sacramento Zoo, Sacramento, Calif.; San Antonio Zoological Society, San Antonio, Texas; and Seattle Aquarium, Seattle, Wash.
Update: 2013 Accreditation Standards
The 2013 edition of the Accreditation Standards and Related Policies is now available, including the new Standards for Elephant Management and Care. For all other 2013 accreditation materials click here!
Animal Care Manuals
Accreditation standard 1.2.1 requires institutions to have copies of all approved AZA Animal Care Manuals (ACMs) for species within their collections, and to ensure that all animal care staff has access to them. For more information and a list of approved ACMs, click here.
Upcoming Reviews
We welcome your comments regarding the AZA members and prospective members under review for accreditation or certification at the next meeting of the AZA Accreditation Commission.
Accreditation Resource Center
Please be sure to visit our Accreditation Resource Center for sample documents and policies required for accreditation!
AAM Offers Streamlined Accreditation Process For AZA-Accredited Institutions
The American Association of Museums and AZA have collaborated on a streamlined AAM accreditation process for institutions that are accredited by AZA. Please click here for the related news release, and here for an FAQ sheet.
Accreditation Rack Cards for Visitors
Show your visitors what your AZA accreditation means! Download the Accreditation Rack Card.