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Atlanta, GA – March 24, 2026 — The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has announced that Zoo Atlanta has been granted accreditation by its independent Accreditation Commission.
This decision recognizes the zoo’s ongoing commitment to the highest standards in animal care, wellbeing, and management.
Zoo Atlanta Gets Accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
“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.”
A Rigorous Process
AZA accreditation is widely regarded as the gold standard for zoos and aquariums worldwide.
The process is thorough and demanding: institutions must submit a detailed application, followed by a multi-day on-site inspection conducted by an independent team of zoological professionals.
Inspectors evaluate every facet of operations, including:
- Animal care and wellbeing
- Veterinary care
- Staff training
- Educational programs
- Conservation efforts
- Financial stability
- Risk management
- Governance
- Guest services
Following the inspection, detailed reports from both the inspection team and the facility are reviewed by the Accreditation Commission.
The Commission then conducts formal interviews with the facility’s top officials before rendering a decision: full accreditation, provisional accreditation for one year, or denial.
Accredited facilities must repeat this rigorous process every five years to maintain membership in the AZA.0
Zoo Atlanta’s Commitment
“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.”
Currently, there are 240 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facilities across 12 countries.
Zoo Atlanta joins this select group in upholding excellence that benefits animals, visitors, and global conservation efforts.
About Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is dedicated to saving wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education, and engaging visitor experiences. The zoo provides world-class care for its animals while offering transformative educational opportunities for guests of all ages.
For more information or to plan a visit, go to zooatlanta.org.
This reaccreditation underscores Zoo Atlanta’s position as a leader in modern zoological institutions, ensuring that its animals receive the best possible care while advancing education and conservation on a global scale.
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