[separator headline=”h2″ title=”AZA Accreditation”]
“Association of Zoos and Aquariums envisions a world where all people respect, value and conserve animals and nature.”
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of accredited zoos and aquariums in the areas of animal care, wildlife conservation, education and science. AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal care, education, wildlife conservation and science.
AZA evaluates every zoo or aquarium to make sure it meets AZA’s standards for animal management and care, including living environments, social groupings, health, and nutrition. Making sure that animals are provided with enrichment, which stimulates each animal’s natural behavior and provides variety in their daily routine.
AZA also evaluates the veterinary program, involvement in conservation and research, education programs, safety policies and procedures, security, physical facilities, guest services, and the quality of the institution’s staff. And because a zoo or aquarium needs a strong foundation in order to continue to meet high standards, AZA also evaluates each institution’s finances, its governing authority, and its support organization. In other words, AZA looks at everything! For more information about the AZA or it’s programs please visit their website (www.aza.org).
