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.  

MEDIA CONTACTS:  

Rachel Davis
Director of Communications, Zoo Atlanta   
rdavis@zooatlanta.org
404.624.2812 

Sarah Fedele 
Vice President of Communications, AZA  
336.662.3304 
sfedele@aza.org  

 

About Zoo Atlanta 
A proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard for animal care and welfare, Zoo Atlanta has a mission to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education, and engaging experiences. The Zoo is home to hundreds of animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, many of them endangered or critically endangered. Highlights include a transformed African Savanna featuring expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostrich, warthogs, meerkats, and rhinos; one of North America’s largest populations of great apes; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Recent transformations include a newly updated African lion complex, opened in April 2025, and the state-of-the-art Rollins Animal Health Center, completed in 2024. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org.  

About AZA  

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is setting the global gold standard, accrediting 254 of the top zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in 12 countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.