ZOO ATLANTA RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS ACCREDITATION FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has announced that Zoo Atlanta was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Each application was evaluated by the independent Accreditation Commission and determined to meet AZA’s standards for animal wellbeing, care, and management.  

“Earning AZA accreditation demonstrates commitment to the global gold standard of animal care and wellbeing,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “We are honored to be able to celebrate Zoo Atlanta’s successful reaccreditation while in their home city during our AZA Mid-Year Meeting. As one of our host facilities, over 1,200 zoo and aquarium professionals from around the globe will visit Zoo Atlanta today for Zoo Day and see their commitment to excellence firsthand.”  

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Accreditation Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied. 

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years. 

“Zoo Atlanta is honored to be granted AZA accreditation for another five years and to be part of the extraordinary international network that is AZA,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “As mirrored in the principles of AZA, Zoo Atlanta works tirelessly and daily to ensure superior professional animal care and wellbeing; education programs that reach students and families not just here in Georgia but far beyond the Zoo; and partnership in conservation programs making a difference for wildlife and their habitats worldwide.”  

There are 240 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facility members in 12 countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list. 

Learn more or plan a visit to Zoo Atlanta at zooatlanta.org.