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Zoo Atlanta’s Animal Health and Nutrition Teams, regulated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), work side by side with the animal care teams in ensuring all species at the Zoo are in optimal health.  From advancements at the Zoo to collaborating with global partners, Zoo Atlanta’s world-class Veterinary Team is dedicated to providing the highest standards of care. Animals thrive at Zoo Atlanta because of the innovative, individualized, and high level of medical care they receive.   

Animal well-being is an animal’s collective physical, mental, and emotional state over a period of time, and is measured on a continuum from good to poor. Why do we measure wellness? Zoo Atlanta uses evidence-based animal care to promote the highest standards of well-being; one way of doing this is by measuring welfare. How do we measure wellness? In addition to Animal Care Professionals monitoring animals daily, we measure well-being with quarterly/biannual assessments and research that explores cognition, activity budgets, behavior, and more. Examples of well-being research We have carried out studies with many of the animals, including behavioral observations ... Continue reading Animal Well-Being

Nutrition Team The Nutrition Team is responsible for the nutrition breakdown, diet acquisition, and preparation of diets for all animals at Zoo Atlanta. The Bamboo Team harvests bamboo from around the Atlanta area and is a part of the Nutrition Team. Additionally, a Browse Team collects browse (fresh materials such as tree branches or leaves) for many of the animals that consume vegetation. Our Animal Nutrition Team prepares all diets 24 hours in advance. All produce is fresh and purchased three times a week. Carnivore diets include a variety of commercially prepared meat products. Live crickets, mealworms, and fish are ... Continue reading Nutrition

Enrichment is another crucial component of animal care programs at Zoo Atlanta. Learn more about what it is and why it’s so important.

Training is a vital part of our Animal Care Professionals’ day-to-day care of the animals. Learn more about what’s involved and why we do it.

Join us at Zoo Atlanta this summer for an exploration of all things WILD!

Hey y’all, my name is Benjamin McGlaughlin, and I am a Herpetology Keeper here at Zoo Atlanta. This past summer, I was lucky to have the opportunity to survey snake species across southern Arizona. During this trip, we encountered and sampled five rattlesnake species. This experience has inspired me to educate y’all on some of North America’s most fascinating pit viper species.  … Continue reading "Surveying rattlesnake species across southern Arizona"

Hello there! It’s your friendly neighborhood animal care professional here to share some fun chinchilla facts. The big thing that is widely known about chinchillas is that they are very soft. The softness of the fur can be attributed to how thick the coat is; their coats protect them from the wind, temperatures, and other … Continue reading "How to stay chinchillin’"

Projects will be supported by The Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund  ATLANTA – January 13, 2026 – Zoo Atlanta is proud to announce a commitment of support for seven conservation programs protecting wildlife in Borneo, Kenya, Namibia, Nepal, Sumatra, Madagascar, and Cambodia in 2026. Projects for orangutans, lions, rhinos, red pandas, Sumatran tigers, radiated tortoises, and clouded leopards are the 2026 beneficiaries of the Zoo’s Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund.   The Mabel Dorn Reeder … Continue reading "ZOO ATLANTA ANNOUNCES A COMMITMENT TO SEVEN INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN 2026"

Projects will be supported by The Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund  ATLANTA – January 13, 2026 – Zoo Atlanta is proud to announce a commitment of support for seven conservation programs protecting wildlife in Borneo, Kenya, Namibia, Nepal, Sumatra, Madagascar, and Cambodia in 2026. Projects for orangutans, lions, rhinos, red pandas, Sumatran tigers, radiated tortoises, and clouded leopards are the 2026 beneficiaries of the Zoo’s Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund.   The Mabel Dorn Reeder … Continue reading "ZOO ATLANTA ANNOUNCES A COMMITMENT TO SEVEN INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN 2026"