The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) held it’s annual conference earlier in September. The conference included conversations, lectures, AZA awards, and accreditations. Let’s run through some of the highlights.
According to the AZA’s website, 31 zoos and aquariums received accreditation this fall. The accreditation process is very rigorous, and includes on-site inspections in the areas of animal care and welfare, education, conversation, and safety. The accreditation process is required every five years for members to maintain their inclusion.
The 31 accredited facilities range in location across the country, and also size. Large zoos such as the Cincinnati Zoo and St. Louis Zoo were included, as were much smaller zoos like Binder Park in Michigan, and Potawatomi Zoo in Indiana.
In addition, the AZA announced nine categories of awards. These AZA awards ranged from individual achievement, to outstanding exhibits, to excellence in diversity. for a complete list of winners, click here. Among the awards was the Exhibit Award. Top Honors was won by both the Nashville Zoo and the New York Aquarium for the Andean Bear and Shark exhibits.
A zoo that we follow on social media, but haven’t yet visited took home Top honors in the Excellence in Marketing Award. Congratulations to the Woodland Park Zoo for recognition of their “This is how we zoo” campaign.
For a full listing of AZA Zoos, check out our Zoo Listings page.
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