Accreditation
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 the AZA Accreditation process.
Special Thank You to Inspectors From the Accreditation Commission During COVID-19 Recovery
We’d like to extend a special thank you to those individuals who have selflessly participated in on-site inspections in order to keep our accreditation program moving forward. Your courage, dedication, and professionalism is greatly appreciated, and our program couldn’t move forward without you. Thank you.
Message to AZA-Accredited/Certified Facilities from the Accreditation Commission During COVID-19 Recovery
Dear AZA-Accredited Facility Leaders:
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has had dramatic impacts on the zoo and aquarium community. AZA has taken actions to help ameliorate these impacts, including extending the accreditation period by one year for most currently accredited facilities. Some members have expressed concerns about undergoing the accreditation process during this time of uncertainty. AZA accreditation is the standard that sets our members apart, and we expect AZA-accredited facilities to continue to meet our standards, particularly in animal care & welfare, veterinary care, and safety, even during these challenging times. However, please be assured that the Accreditation Commission will take these unparalleled circumstances into account when evaluating cases during this period, and will be flexible and understanding in our judgment, including the use of progress reports to monitor and assess a facility’s recovery over time. The AZA Accreditation Commission strongly supports your efforts to navigate these uncharted waters, and we recognize the need for flexibility and understanding in these unprecedented times. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact AZA Accrediation Programs staff at AZAAccreditation@AZA.org.
AZA Accreditation Commission
Accreditation is Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is a top priority for all AZA-accredited facilities. Excellence in animal welfare is the underlying foundation on which all AZA standards and practices are premised and developed. Click here for an explanation of how welfare is woven throughout the AZA Accreditation Standards and Related Policies.
October/November 2021 Accreditation Results
AZA is pleased to announce the results of the Accreditation Commission hearings held in October/November 2021.
Accredited for the first time was: Montréal Biodôme, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Continuing accreditation for another cycle are: Akron Zoological Park, Akron, Ohio; Albuquerque Biological Park, Albuquerque, N.M.; Central Park Zoo, New York, N.Y.; Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Saint Paul, Minn.; Cosley Zoo, Wheaton, Ill.; Indianapolis Zoological Society, Indianapolis, Ind.; John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, Wis.; Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, Mo.; Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, Ashland, Neb.; Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville, Pa.; National Aviary, Pittsburgh, Pa.; North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, N.C.; Prospect Park Zoo, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Queens Zoo, Flushing, N.Y.; Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia, S.C.; Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, Gainesville, Fla.; SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium, Concord, N.C.; Sequoia Park Zoo, Eureka, Calif.; Western North Carolina Nature Center, Asheville, N.C.; ZOOAMERICA North American Wildlife Park, Hershey, Pa.
For a complete list of all AZA-accredited institutions and AZA-certified related facilities click here.