PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia Zoo has earned renewed accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), marking more than 50 years of continuous recognition for meeting the profession’s highest standards. The Zoo is one of only two facilities nationwide to maintain uninterrupted accreditation since 1984.
The AZA accreditation process is considered the gold standard for zoos and aquariums. It involves a detailed application, a multi-day on-site inspection by independent experts, and a formal hearing before the Accreditation Commission. Facilities are evaluated on animal care and veterinary services, conservation work, staff training, education programs, financial stability, governance, and guest experience. Accreditation is granted on a five-year cycle.
“As America’s first Zoo, it is part of our DNA to always be at the forefront of what a Zoo should be,” said Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “Animal care and wellbeing are at the core of every decision we make, and we are always looking at what we can do better for not only the animals in our care, but our guests, students, staff and animals in the wild. This accreditation is a testament to our Zoo’s longstanding commitment to excellence, and we are honored to be recognized by our peers at AZA for just over five decades.”
“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Philadelphia Zoo for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core. Philadelphia Zoo has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”
The AZA inspection committee praised Philadelphia Zoo’s animal care staff as “experienced and enthusiastic,” noting their “passion, dedication and advancements in animal wellbeing.” Inspectors also highlighted that animal areas were “exceptionally clean [and] well maintained.”
Philadelphia Zoo received financial support from the city to help meet facility standards required by the accreditation process.
There are now 254 AZA-accredited facilities in the United States and 12 other countries. U.S. agencies, including OSHA and the USDA, recognize AZA standards as the benchmark for evaluating zoos and aquariums.
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