It’s In Our Nature

We uphold and advance AZA accreditation as the standard of excellence in the aquarium and zoo profession.

Objectives

• Ensure capacity and resources to uphold the standards of excellence.
• Provide greater transparency of the accreditation process/outcome.
• Improve information flow to inform the standards review process.
• Improve consistency in the application of standards.
• Increase awareness of and confidence in the AZA brand: Distinguish AZA accreditation from other accrediting bodies in the field.

We increase the collective impact of AZA members, fostering collaboration to save animals from extinction.

Objectives

• Meet member needs in sustainable animal populations.
• Implement the objectives of AZA’s Strategic Framework for the Wellbeing of Animals.
• Grow the existing grant funds to $7.5–10 million (conservation) and $3 million (animal care and wellbeing), and create dedicated funds for other priorities, including sustainable populations and engagement.
• Train and hold AZA volunteers accountable so that committees and programs are high-performing and effective.
• Use SAFE to help members achieve a level of support that will allow them to be defined individually and collectively as organizations committed to conservation of species in the wild.
• Diversify and increase member participation and representation in conferences, meetings, and AZA programs.

We tell powerful stories and inspire action on behalf of our members, wildlife, and wild places.

Objectives

• Grow recognition of AZA and our members as leaders in conservation.
• Build trust with key stakeholders that AZA members are top experts on animal care and wellbeing.
• Promote the experience of visiting AZA-accredited members as unique places for people to build connections with wildlife and wild places.

We support AZA members to thrive and excel as champions in their field.

Objectives

• Expand and diversify professional development capacity with enhanced AZA curricula.
• Support committees in the development of member services and content aligned with the AZA strategy.
• Develop resources to meet the needs of all segments of our membership, especially small institutions and new directors.
• Understand and address barriers to talent recruitment and retention, especially for early and mid-level professionals.

We advance diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in the profession and embed these as values into AZA’s organizational culture.

Objectives

• Assess and address AZA member needs and differences related to DEAI.
• Build expertise and capacity to advance DEAI efforts at HQ.
• Develop and implement a holistic DEAI approach and policies for AZA HQ
• Implement best practices related to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce at HQ.