AZA Advocacy Days 2025: A Recap from Washington, D.C.

From March 3–5, 2025, Zoo Atlanta had the privilege of joining 120 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) advocates in Washington, D.C., for the annual AZA Advocacy Days. With representatives from 61 AZA-accredited institutions and 31 states, the event was not only the largest in AZA Advocacy Days history—it also set a new record with 170 meetings on Capitol Hill. 

Our Government Affairs team—Aaron Watson, attorney; Brian Hudson, lobbyist; and myself—are proud to represent Zoo Atlanta, advancing our legislative priorities, deepening relationships with lawmakers, and standing alongside fellow conservation leaders to champion causes that impact wildlife, education, and our communities. 

Day 1: Government Affairs Committee Meeting 

This year’s Advocacy Days kicked off differently than usual, with the AZA Government Affairs Committee (GAC) meeting moved from its traditional midyear timing to coincide with the event. This adjustment allowed for a more integrated approach to planning and policy alignment. 

As a member of this committee, I find these discussions particularly valuable. The agenda was tightly focused: aligning talking points across institutions, prioritizing key pieces of legislation, and streamlining communication strategies for Capitol Hill. By bringing this group together at the outset, AZA positioned everyone for a more unified and impactful week. 

Day 2: Training, Strategy, and the Advocacy App 

The second day was devoted to preparation. For new participants, morning sessions provided foundational insight into the advocacy process—how to structure meetings, what to expect from congressional staffers, and how to tailor messages for impact. 

Most of the day focused on policy briefings and strategic breakout sessions. One highlight was the rollout of the Advocacy App for Advocacy Day, which served as a lifeline for navigating logistics. Meeting times, Hill office locations, bios of congressional staffers, and real-time updates were at our fingertips. The app’s note-taking feature allowed us to capture impressions immediately after meetings, enhancing our post-event reporting. 

Day 3: Capitol Hill Takes Center Stage 

Advocacy Day proper began with a breakfast reception hosted by the National Aquarium and featured remarks from freshman Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), the first former AZA member elected to Congress. Her remarks underscored the value of our institutions not only in conservation, but also in economic development, tourism, and STEM education. 

Showcasing Zoo Atlanta’s Impact 

A key piece of our toolkit was Zoo Atlanta’s Points of Pride and Overview document. It provided lawmakers and their staff with a clear picture of our community impact—from programs for underserved communities to the groundbreaking Rollins Animal Health Center; from our 25-year legacy of giant panda care to our expanding conservation science portfolio. 

We shared updates on our successful implementation of the Wild Animal Criminal Trespass law and the notable reduction in incidents since its enactment, reinforcing our commitment to both safety and responsible wildlife advocacy. We also highlighted the Mickelberg Field Conservation Grant and our impactful conservation work with the critically endangered Guatemalan beaded lizards. 

During our Hill visits and calls, we emphasized the success of initiatives like IllumiNights, which not only delight our guests but also fund vital programs. We also discussed our federal grant applications, including proposals for paid internships and water quality enhancements—initiatives that link education, workforce development, and environmental stewardship. 

Legislative Priorities: What We Asked For 

This year, AZA’s legislative agenda was comprehensive and forward-thinking. We spoke to members and staffers about multiple bills and funding priorities critical to the continued success of AZA-accredited institutions. A few of the top issues included: 

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act 

We urged legislators to cosponsor this bipartisan bill, which would establish a permanent grant program through NOAA. The need is urgent—zoos and aquariums regularly rescue thousands of sea turtles harmed by fishing gear, plastic pollution, boat strikes, and cold-stun events. Currently, this work is done largely without federal funding—an unsustainable approach. This legislation would ensure reliable support for organizations voluntarily fulfilling federal conservation mandates. 

Wildlife Confiscation Network Act 

Wildlife trafficking is a growing threat. When live animals are seized at U.S. borders, accredited zoos like Zoo Atlanta are often the first call. From 2015 to 2019 alone, U.S. Fish and Wildlife interdicted nearly 49,000 animals. To address this, AZA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife launched a pilot Wildlife Confiscation Network in southern California, where Zoo Atlanta is a participant. We advocated for legislation to expand this pilot into a permanent national program. Our institutions have the expertise—what we need now is the infrastructure and funding. 

Support for the Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus 

We encouraged members of Congress to join the Caucus, which seeks to elevate the role of zoos and aquariums in conservation, science education, and public engagement. We’re proud to have Georgia Representatives Sanford Bishop, Earl Carter, and David Scott among its current members—and hope more will follow their lead. 

FY 2025–2026 Appropriations Requests 

We also advocated for key federal funding streams, including: 

• $30 million for Multinational Species Conservation Funds (supporting African and Asian elephants, rhinos, tigers, great apes, and marine turtles) 

• $9 million for the Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Program 

• $15 million for the Endangered Species Recovery Challenge Grant 

• $55.5 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), through which Zoo Atlanta has submitted two grant applications 

• USDA Report Language for FY 2026 to improve the inspection process for AZA-accredited institutions, ensuring it is fair, efficient, and consistent with statutory requirements 

The USDA request was especially critical. With fewer than 100 inspectors responsible for over 14,000 licensees, including nearly 3,000 exhibitors, we advocated for language that prevents overreach and reinforces science-based animal care. 

Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned 

While the 2025 Advocacy Days were highly productive, a few key themes emerged that will shape our strategy moving forward: 

• Meetings were shorter: Many Capitol Hill conversations were briefer than in past years due to a surge in executive orders and shifting budget priorities. 

• Scheduling challenges: Numerous meetings were rescheduled last-minute due to floor votes or urgent committee assignments. Flexibility and real-time coordination were essential. 

• Need for a “Pain Points” document: As we advocated for stable funding, we identified the need to develop a Zoo Atlanta-specific “pain points” document to illustrate the real-world consequences of delays, budget cuts, or policy shifts on our operations. 

Looking Ahead 

As we reflect on Advocacy Days 2025, one thing is clear: the power of collective voice matters. When 120 zoo and aquarium professionals converge on Washington, we bring not just talking points—we bring data, passion, community stories, and proof of impact. 

At the same time, it’s important to emphasize that advocacy is not a once-a-year effort—it’s a year-round priority. Whether through in-person or virtual attendance at advocacy days, or direct engagement with the Georgia State Capitol, Atlanta City Council, or the Fulton County Commission, the Government Affairs team continuously champions Zoo Atlanta’s mission, values, and community. Advocacy doesn’t pause between Hill visits—it lives in every policy conversation, community partnership, and public investment we pursue. 

Next year, Advocacy Days will return to its traditional April timing, avoiding overlap with the AZA Midyear Meeting—which will be held right here in Atlanta. We’re already preparing to serve as both host and participant, further deepening our engagement with the national AZA community. 

At Zoo Atlanta, our commitment to advocacy is rooted in our mission: to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, education, research, and engaging experiences. As always, our work in Washington is an extension of what we do every day here at home. 

On behalf of our entire Government Affairs team—Aaron, Brian, and myself—thank you for your support and belief in our mission. We’ll continue to fight for the policies and funding that empower our work and protect the animals we serve. 

Cary Burgess
Senior Vice President of Government and Community Affairs