Benefits of Accreditation

Public Trust

• Provides the public with essential connections to the natural world;
• Develops public confidence by means that an institution meets or exceeds current professional standards;
• Provides a publicly recognized badge signifying excellence in, and commitment to, such things as animal management and welfare, safety, conservation and education; and
• Distinguishes AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums from "roadside zoos" and for-profit menageries.

 Benefits for the Accredited Zoo or Aquarium

• Membership in AZA;
• Increases eligibility for funding and grants from certain foundations, corporations and other sources;
• Cuts red tape (exempts institutions from certain government requirements, primarily at the state level);
• Promotes professional recognition from the top zoological parks and aquariums in the United States;
• Provides impartial evaluation on a periodic basis by professional experts;
• Promotes excellence within the institution by causing an institution to continuously evaluate itself;
• Provides staff an invaluable opportunity to learn from other institutions;
• Fosters staff and community pride; and
• Significantly improves the ability to attract and retain a high quality, professional staff.

Access to Critical AZA Programs and Services

• Participation in Animal Exchange (access to specimens from other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums for loan and/or breeding);
• Opportunities for collaboration and consultation with AZA colleagues who are top experts in their fields;
• Participation in the Species Survival Plan, AZA's flagship Animal Conservation Program;
• Access to AZA’s Accreditation Resource Center;
• Free and discounted admission to AZA accredited institutions for collegial information-sharing, and much more.