AZA News Releases

Friday, March 3, 2023

The L.A. Zoo Honors World Wildlife Day by Joining National 'Not a Pet' Campaign

The Zoo joins the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the International Fund for Animal Welfare in educating the public about the illegal pet trade The Los Angeles Zoo is celebrating World Wildlife Day by joining the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in the ‘Not a Pet’ campaign. This initiative is designed to educate the public on the illegal pet trade of exotic wildlife. Zoo guests will learn how they can make better ch... Read More

Posted by Sarah Gilsoul at Friday, March 3, 2023

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

New Ivory Surrender Events Invite Public to “Toss The Tusk” to Save Elephants

Association of Zoos & Aquariums, AZA’s Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announce public events that draw attention to the elephant poaching crisis and illegal trade of elephant ivory in the United States. Silver Spring, Md. [February 15, 2023] – To help raise awareness about the devastating effects of elephant poaching, a series of ivory surrender events will occur across the United States in 2023. The Association of Zoos & Aquarium... Read More

Posted by Karlyn Marcy at Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Special Events U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Wildlife Trafficking

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Dallas Zoo Incidents Apparently Deliberate

Recent incidents involving the escape, death, and apparent theft of animals at the Dallas Zoo are being investigated as intentional acts. Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which accredits the Dallas Zoo, issued the following statement: “While recent incidents targeting animals at the Dallas Zoo are troubling, AZA continues to maintain utmost confidence in the professional staff at Dallas Zoo. To be clear, Dallas Zoo’s accreditation with AZA is ... Read More

at Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Executive Leadership Development Program Candidates Announced at AZA Directors' Policy Conference

The successful program will be renamed in honor of the late Ted A. Beattie. Silver Spring, MD (January 26, 2023) – Nine exceptionally talented aquarium and zoo professionals have been selected for the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), which is now in its ninth year. The ELDP develops executive competencies and leadership in individuals who demonstrate the ability and interest to advance to the role of Director at a... Read More

at Thursday, January 26, 2023

Press Room

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

IFAW, AZA Collaborate on #NotAPet Campaign

The joint effort seeks to highlight the risks and challenges of keeping certain exotic pets. (Washington, D.C. – December 20, 2022) – A joint initiative by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Trafficking Alliance (WTA) and IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) launched today online and in three target cities. The campaign, dubbed “Not A Pet,” shines a much-needed spotlight on the illegal trade of live wild animals sold as pets in the United St... Read More

at Wednesday, December 21, 2022

IFAW NotAPet Wildlife Trafficking WTA