Press Room

AZA Awards 44 Nature Play Grants

Supported through a special gift from the Disney Conservation Fund, these competitive grants are presented to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to encourage family nature play and conservation education.

Nature Play

AZA Launches TailsUp! App

TailsUp! is a game developed by AZA to help connect kids and families with nature. It's free to download; proceeds from in-app purchases support our conservation work. Available on the Apple Store and Google Play.

FrogWatch USA

FrogWatch USA Featured on SciGirls

Get inspired to become a FrogWatch USA citizen scientist! Watch four dynamic middle-school girls participate at the Saint Louis Zoo on "Frog Whisperers," a new episode in PBS KIDS’ Emmy Award-winning TV series SciGirls.

Connect Nov 2015

Connect Magazine | December 2015

2015 AZA Photo Contest

Todd Stailey is the first two-time winner of the AZA Photo Contest. Todd began working at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1992. Originally hired to set up and manage the Aquarium’s mail room, his love of photography came into focus when he was noticed taking pictures of the new exhibits after hours. He was hired to become staff photographer and A/V technician after his talent was recognized.


"When I decided to photograph our otters for the AZA Photo Contest, I started thinking about the best ways to freeze their actions underwater. I worked with our otter experts to create something that would grab their attention so I could get the shot I was imagining." To see Todd’s winning photo and other highlighted entries, visit the December issue of Connect. (Member login required) (Photo: 2015 AZA Photo Contest Winner – River Otter © Todd Stailey, Tennessee Aquarium)


Nature play - home page

AZA Animals

Nature Play Begins at Your Zoo & Aquarium

Our newly rebranded website AZA Animals invites kids and families to meet the animals of AZA-accredited institutions, support the AZA community's conservation work, and develop connections with nature. Nature Play Begins at Your Zoo & Aquarium is a collaboration between AZA and The Walt Disney Company that invites accredited zoos and aquariums to expand their commitment to connecting families to nature – and encourages families to get out and play, at a zoo or aquarium or anywhere outdoors. Read more about the importance of nature play and the important role of zoos & aquariums