What Is AZA Accreditation?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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AZA is

the independent accrediting organization for the best zoos and the best aquariums in America and the world

, assuring the public that when they visit an AZA-accredited facility, it meets the highest standards for animal care and welfare.

What does it mean to be accredited by the AZA?

Accreditation is a process by which a

program

, organization, or institution is evaluated by recognized experts in the profession, and is measured against the established standards and best practices of that profession. … Only those zoos and aquariums that earn AZA accreditation can become members of AZA.

Is AZA accreditation good?

AZA accreditation is

often considered to be the ‘best’ accreditation

a zoological facility can have, due to their incredibly high standards and stringent requirements for accreditation.

Is SeaWorld AZA certified?

As an

AZA-accredited member

, SeaWorld will continue to provide state of the art animal care to over 800 animal species.

What Zoos are not AZA-accredited?

  • The Gorilla Foundation.
  • Lindsay Wildlife Museum.
  • Micke Grove Zoological Society.
  • Moonridge Animal Park.
  • Orange County Zoo.
  • Orangutan Foundation International.
  • Project Survival Cat Haven Wild Animal Park.

Why is AZA accreditation important?

AZA-accredited

zoos and aquariums conduct or facilitate research in both in situ and ex situ settings

that advance scientific knowledge of the animals in their care, enhances the conservation of wild populations, and engages and inspires the visiting public.

Are zoos good or bad?


Zoos may be great entertainment

, but their big goal is to educate the public about wildlife and what we can do to protect them. … In addition, zoos work really hard to save animals that are threatened in the wild. Zoos can take at-risk animals, breed them in captivity, and then reintroduce them back into the wild.

What is the meaning of AZA?

“Reflect” in Swahili. “Powerful” in Arabic. “Strength” in Hebrew. “Money” in Nigerian slang. We are now giving AZA a new meaning — the

potential of frontier markets

.

Is AZA a word?

No,

aza is not in the scrabble dictionary

.

How many AZA-accredited zoos are there?

The total number of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums is

241

.

Is SeaWorld a bad place?

Consider these facts: SeaWorld often keeps dolphins, whales, and other animals trapped with incompatible tankmates. The tension leads

to fights and even fatal injuries

. … Orcas at SeaWorld parks often break their teeth from chewing on the metal bars and concrete walls of their tanks.

How many animals are killed each year in a zoo?

According to In Defense of Animals,

up to 5,000 zoo animals are killed each year

— mind you, only in Europe. What’s even more worrisome is that the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums recommends killing animals in some situations, even if they are perfectly healthy.

Is SeaWorld considered a zoo?


SeaWorld is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

(AZA). In 2009, Busch Entertainment was sold to the Blackstone Group and subsequently renamed SeaWorld Entertainment.

How much does it cost to get AZA accredited?


$95/year

| Download an application (PDF) or register to apply online.

Are AZA zoos ethical?

As a result, many animals reduced their stereotypic behaviors (although not completely – this is still a problem even at ethical zoos). The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is

an independent non-profit that awards accreditation

to zoos that meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare.

How many zoos are there?

According to the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), there are

over 10,000 zoos worldwide

. In the U.S. alone, the Department of Agriculture licenses 2,400 “animal exhibitors,” of which 212 are members of the AZA, an organization that requires high standards of animal care, science, and conservation.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.