AZA and its Conservation Education Committee provide information, protocols, and tools to help educators facilitate nature play opportunities; manage animal ambassador presentations; deliver consistent conservation messages; advocate for the educational impact of zoos and aquariums; and connect to AZA committees, advisory groups, and animal programs as a means to enhance their education program planning and increase public awareness and actions towards conservation concerns.
Advocating for Education
A vital part of AZA’s government affairs strategy is the continuing education of all Members of Congress as to the value of accredited zoos and aquariums, the vital role they play in conservation, education, recreation, tourism, job creation, and collectively as major contributors to the economy and AZA educators are ideal advocates for their institution. Learn More
Animal Programs Education Advisors
Education Advisors play a critical role in and serve as consultants within AZA Animal Programs for topics and issues related to conservation education, community outreach, and public awareness and assist with the design and execution of the Animal Program’s conservation and management goals. Learn More
Ambassador Animals
The presentation of ambassador animals can provide the compelling experience needed for visitors to gain and maintain personal connections with their own relationships with nature. With these benefits, however, AZA recognizes that ambassador animal presentations require a host of responsibilities that are required to ensure the welfare, health and safety of the animal, handlers, and public. Learn More
Conservation Education Committee
This committee provides leadership and professional development opportunities for AZA educators and disseminates pertinent information to the education liaisons at AZA institutions through its Regional Communication Plan and quarterly newsletter. Learn More
Conservation Education Materials
These resources focus on topics of conservation concern and are designed to provide ideas and inspiration for AZA-accredited zoo and aquarium education program or summer camp development and to assist with their planning for special AZA annual conservation initiatives. Learn More
Conservation Education Standards and Policies
AZA is committed to promoting high standards of excellence in all aspects of conservation education. Accreditation Standards and Board-Approved Policies have been established to ensure this objective is achieved and often evolve to meet increasingly rigorous criteria. Learn more
Education Programs Database
The web-based Education Programs database collects information about our member's individual and collective education program contributions to help tell the story of the educational impact of AZA Zoos & Aquariums as part of the Annual Report on Conservation and Science. Learn More
Nature Play Begins at Your Zoo & Aquarium
This ground-breaking AZA initiative supported by The Walt Disney Company provides financial, logistical, and creative support for AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to create innovative ways to establish or enhance family-centered nature play experiences in their communities. Learn More