It has been estimated that at least twenty percent of the world's biological diversity may be lost within the next few decades. AZA’s remarkable dedication to animal conservation is furthered by its Conservation Partner members, memoranda of understanding with government agencies and non-government organizations, and partnerships and collaborations with other organizations.
AZA has developed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and memoranda of agreement (MOA) with several government wildlife agencies and non-governmental conservation organizations. These MOUs specifically identify the ways in which the parties involved are committed to actions needed for conservation initiatives. Additionally, AZA has joined as a member in other conservation initiatives and organizations, and works collaboratively with AZA members and others to advance global conservation efforts.
Amphibian Ark
AZA participates in the Amphibian Ark, which was jointly established by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, and the IUCN/SSC Amphibian Specialist Group to address the ex situ components of the IUCN’s 2008 Amphibian Conservation Action Plan.
Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project
The AZA and its accredited facilities are proud to be part of the work underway with federal and state agencies to rescue and restore Florida’s Coral Reef. Florida's coral reefs are being devastated by stony coral tissue loss disease. Since March of 2019, nearly 2000 corals have been placed in 20 AZA-accredited facilities across 14 states and 51 additional facilities are supporting our efforts to protect healthy corals. Facilities are being developed for coral holding all across the country.
International Union for Conservation of Nature - Species Survival Commission
In December 2014, AZA and the IUCN-SSC signed an MOA that outlined much closer collaborations between SSC’s Specialist Groups and AZA’s Animal Programs and the IUCN Red List and AZA’s education and outreach community. It also promotes cooperative conservation projects and coordinated recovery planning.
National Pollinator Garden Network
The focus of the National Pollinator Garden Network is to inspire individuals and community groups, institutions, and the garden industry to create more pollinator habitat through sustainable gardening practices, habitat conservation and provide these groups the tools to be successful.
National Wildlife Federation
In September 2018, AZA and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) signed an MOU to assess and pursue, where feasible and appropriate, cooperation and collaboration in the areas of education and family activities, wildlife conservation, and advocacy and outreach.
Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) – Joint National Steering Committee Member
Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) is an inclusive partnership dedicated to the conservation of the herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) and their habitats. PARC membership comes from all walks of life and includes individuals from state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, museums, pet trade industry, nature centers, zoos, energy industry, universities, herpetological organizations, research laboratories, forest industries, and environmental consultants.
Polar Bears International
In 2009, AZA and Polar Bears International (PBI) established an MOU to work cooperatively to engage people in understanding the specific impacts of climate disruption on polar bears and becoming personally involved in reducing climate impacts on polar bear habitat. Read more about AZA's partnership with PBI. Numerous AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums also work with PBI and have become certified Arctic Ambassador Centers (AACs).
Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) aims to transform markets to make sustainable palm oil the norm. The RSPO is a not-for-profit association that includes stakeholders from the palm oil industry to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil, as well as organizations like AZA. Current membership represents 40% of the palm oil industry and covers all sectors of the global commodity supply chain.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
AZA has long worked with the dedicated professionals at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) toward species recovery and in 1998, AZA and USFWS established an MOU to strengthen the ties of the science-based programs and the potential for the development of public education and outreach programs. Many of the reintroduction efforts that AZA members are involved with are done in partnership with USFWS. Read more about some of these reintroduction efforts. AZA also supported legislation that created the 'Save Vanishing Species' stamp to provide funding for projects supported by the Multinational Species Conservation Funds (MSCF). USFWS administers these funds to conserve tigers, rhinos, great apes, marine turtles, and both African and Asian elephants.