Angela Peterson Excellence in Diversity Award
“The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recognizes and embraces human diversity in all its forms and facets, while also acknowledging we continue to fall short in our efforts to be equitable and inclusive.
AZA zoos and aquariums need to recognize the strength that comes from the diversity of backgrounds among staff, partners, and stakeholders to achieve their missions. As the composition of the United States' and other countries’ populations become increasingly diverse, and calls for a more equitable society become more urgent, zoos and aquariums must take action to develop or deepen comprehensive diversity and inclusion initiatives in their hiring and employment practices; the services and experiences they provide their visitors and communities; the way that they do business; and how they work with in-situ conservation partners." (AZA Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion Position Statement, 2020).
Through the Angela Peterson Excellence in Diversity Award, AZA recognizes institutions that are demonstrating transformational leadership in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Winning institutions will successfully demonstrate that they have implemented significant changes through strategies that have ripple effects throughout the organization and beyond. Those organizations selected for the award demonstrate their leadership as a zoo or aquarium that is helping to transform our industry to be more diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive for all people in support of the mission of AZA and member organizations.
The award recognizes institutions that have made significant strides in creating influential and transformative programs in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion – and that serve as catalysts for change for the organization and beyond. Programs designed as one-time or special events for single implementation will not be considered. Projects must be active at the time of submission to be eligible for this award.
If there is any question as to what constitutes an eligible project, please email Rob Vernon or call (301) 244-3352.
How to Submit an Application
2023 application materials are available below. Applications are due June 16, 2023.
Past recipients' application materials are available below.
All Honors and Awards applications must be submitted in electronic format ONLY and must be compiled into one PDF file. Please make sure the file name reflects both the award name and the institution.
Please upload your file to the AZA Dropbox link in the Application document below. Your file will go to the AZA Dropbox account, but you do not need to sign in, or even have a Dropbox account to use this link—when it opens, just click on the “choose files” box and upload your application.
Remember to submit a Media Release Form (DOC) with your application.
Angela Peterson Excellence in Diversity Award Recipients
See past recipients' application materials (member login required)
2022
Top Honors
Nashville Zoo for Morton Family Exhibit
2021
Top Honors
Lincoln Park Zoo for For Wildlife, For ALL
Special Recognition
Wildlife Conservation Society for WCS Youth Career Lattice
2020
Significant Achievement
Woodland Park Zoo for Woodland Park Zoo Volunteer Inclusion Program
Special Recognition
Brevard Zoo for Family Nature Club
2019
Top Honors
Potter Park Zoo for Zoo In Your Neighborhood
Significant Achievement
Oregon Zoo for Oregon Zoo: Coordinated Initiative to Expand Our Circle of Inclusion
Community Engagement
Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk for Accessibility for All
2018
Significant Achievement
- Wildlife Conservation Society for Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology)
- Akron Zoological Park and Birmingham Zoo for Sensory Inclusive Zoo Initiative
2017
Top Honors
John G. Shedd Aquarium for All Are Welcome: Accessibility and Inclusion at Shedd Aquarium
Significant Achievement
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for W.I.L.D. (Wildlife Immersion and Leadership Development) Program
- Utah's Hogle Zoo for Zoo Just for You
2016
Top Honors
Chicago Zoological Society for A Zoo for All
2015
Significant Achievement
Detroit Zoological Society for Inclusive Experience
2014
Significant Achievement
Wildlife Conservation Society for Bridging the Gap: The Effects of a School-to-Career Approach to Promoting Wildlife Science Careers Among Minority Students
2013
Top Honors
Chicago Zoological Society for Cultivating Conservation Communities
Significant Achievement
Monterey Bay Aquarium for Watsonville Area Teens Conserving Habitats (WATCH)
2012
Top Honors
Indianapolis Zoo for Minority Purchasing Initiative
Significant Achievement
- Mystic Aquarium for Community Classroom for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for YES! Program (Youth Engagement through Science)
2011
Top Honors
Wildlife Conservation Society for Wildlife Career Center
2010
Top Honors
Houston Zoo, Inc. for Target Title 1
2009
Top Honors
Milwaukee Zoological Society and Milwaukee County Zoo for Programs for Disadvantaged Youth
2008
Top Honors
Oregon Zoo for Zoo Animal Presenters (ZAP) Urban Nature Overnights (UNO)
2007
Top Honors
Wildlife Conservation Society / Bronx Zoo for After-School Adventures in Wildlife Science
Significant Achievement
Monterey Bay Aquarium for Young Women in Science
2006
Top Honors
South Carolina Zoo for High School Intern Program
2005
Top Honors
Denver Zoo for Wonders in Nature - Wonders in Neighborhoods