Animal Welfare Committee
Mission
The Animal Welfare Committee promotes excellent welfare for animals in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums by assisting member facilities in identifying and applying best practices in animal welfare and through promoting advances in animal welfare science.
The Animal Welfare Committee will achieve its mission by: promoting a common understanding of animal welfare in the zoo and aquarium community; assisting zoos and aquariums in identifying and applying best practices in animal welfare; encouraging the development of research projects and assessment tools to advance and monitor animal welfare; educating and engaging AZA zoos and aquariums in applying assessment tools; and understanding and increasing the accuracy of public perception about animal welfare in AZA zoos and aquariums.
Animal Welfare Committee's Purpose
The Animal Welfare Committee believes that every animal deserves to live their best life. We work with and through our members to continually raise the bar for animal welfare.
Providing for good animal welfare encompasses both ethical and scientific responsibilities. AZA-accredited institutions have an ethical responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of the animals in their care. In addition, AZA-accredited institutions have a scientific responsibility to gain a greater understanding of the wellbeing of the animals in their care by advancing animal welfare science.
Animal Welfare Committee's Definition of Animal Welfare
Animal Welfare refers to an animal’s collective physical, mental, and emotional states over a period of time, and is measured on a continuum from good to poor.
AZA's Definition of Animal Wellbeing
Wellbeing – a state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy; achieved by AZA facilities giving animals lifelong opportunities to thrive.
This is supported through:
- Leadership, culture, and operations
- Science and innovation
- Expertise and passion
- Collaboration and sharing
- Engagement and communication
- Our approach to the conservation of species and natural spaces
Chair
Grace Fuller, Detroit Zoo
Vice-Chairs
Darren Minier, Oakland Zoo
Katie Vyas, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Members
Kaylyn Devine, Philadelphia Zoo
Kendle Enter, South Carolina Aquarium
Marieke Gartner, Zoo Atlanta
Kristine Grzenda, Zoo Miami
Catherine Hadfield, Seattle Aquarium
Katie Hall, Minnesota Zoological Garden
Elizabeth Herrelko, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Kelsey Herrick, SeaWorld San Diego
Chesley Hollander, Western North Carolina Nature Center
Julianna Kadar, The Seas
Kimberly Leser, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Emily Lynch, North Carolina Zoo
Molly McGuire, Toronto Zoo
Christine Molter, Houston Zoo
Stephanie Norton, Reid Park Zoo
Jamie Ohrt, Tessere
Charles Ritzler, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Timothy Van Loan, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Rachel Wieck, New England Aquarium
Advisors
Stephanie Allard, Dallas Zoo
Sabrina Brando, AnimalConcepts
Linda Criss, Akron Zoological Park
Katherine Cronin
Sharon Joseph, Birmingham Zoo
Jill Mellen
Lance Miller, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Beth Posta, Toledo Zoo and Aquarium
Board Liaison
Hayley Murphy, Birmingham Zoo
Committee Liaison
Ellen Averill, Detroit Zoo
AZA Staff Liaison
Erika Bauer