Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The AZA is a nonprofit organinzation dedicated to the advancement of zoos and public aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation.

The organization is active in institution acceditation, animal care initiatives, education and conservation programs, collaborative research and political lobbying in order to achieve this goal. It serves as an accrediting body for zoos and aquariums and ensures that accredited facilities meet higher standards of animal care than are required by law. Institutions are evaluated every five years in order to ensure standards are met and to maintain accreditation. The association also facilitates both Species Survival Plans and Population Management Plans, which serve to sustainably manage genetically diverse captive populations of various animal species. In addition, the association sponsors the scientific journal, Zoo Biology.