Association of Zoos and Aquariums Grants Accreditation to 30 Facilities in Fall 2026
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums announced 30 newly accredited facilities and 42 award winners during its annual conference in Portland, Oregon. “We are incredibly proud of the facilities that have earned AZA accreditation this fall, and are pleased to welcome four new members,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Portland Conference Brings Total Accredited Facilities to 255
The fall 2026 accreditation cycle expands the organization’s network to 255 facilities across 12 countries. The independent Accreditation Commission reviewed applicants through multi-day on-site inspections evaluating animal care, veterinary practices, staff training, conservation programs, and financial stability. Facilities must repeat this rigorous review every five years to maintain membership.
Four organizations secured membership after completing AZA’s Pathway Toward Membership Program. The newly recognized institutions include:
- Akron Zoological Park (Akron, Ohio)
- Albuquerque Biological Park (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
- Aquarium du Québec (Québec City, QC, Canada)
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
- Como Park Zoo and Conservatory (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
- Cosley Zoo (Wheaton, Illinois)
- Ellen Trout Zoo (Lufkin, Texas)
- Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park (Idaho Falls, Idaho)
- John Ball Zoo (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
- Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium (Kansas City, Missouri)
- Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari (Ashland, Nebraska)
- Lehigh Valley Zoo (Schnecksville, Pennsylvania)
- Montréal Biodôme (Montréal, QC, Canada)
- Mystic Aquarium (Mystic, Connecticut)
- National Aviary (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
- North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro, North Carolina)
- Oregon Zoo (Portland, Oregon)
- Orlando Science Center (Orlando, Florida)
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (Toronto, Canada)
- Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (Columbia, South Carolina)
- Rolling Hills Zoo (Salina, Kansas)
- Saginaw Children’s Zoo (Saginaw, Michigan)
- Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo (Gainesville, Florida)
- SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium (Concord, North Carolina)
- Seoul Zoo (Gwacheon, South Korea)
- Sequoia Park Zoo (Eureka, California)
- Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (Holderness, New Hampshire)
- Western North Carolina Nature Center (Asheville, North Carolina)
- Zoo de Granby (Granby, QC, Canada)
- ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park (Hershey, Pennsylvania)
Annual Honours Recognize 42 Community Projects
Beyond facility accreditations, the conference celebrated 42 projects highlighting excellence in animal welfare, education, research, conservation, and diversity. “The depth and breadth of achievement represented in this year’s set of awards is truly impressive,” said Dr. Rich Bergl, chief mission officer at the North Carolina Zoo and chair of AZA’s Honors and Awards Committee.
“From advocacy to research to education, our members are advancing the field through innovative programs and meaningful collaboration with local communities, researchers, policymakers, conservation partners and one another,” Ashe stated.
Questions Regarding the Fall 2026 Accreditation Cycle
How many total facilities now hold AZA accreditation?
There are now 255 AZA-accredited facilities operating across 12 countries following the fall 2026 additions.
What is the Pathway Toward Membership Program?
The program helps organizations prepare to meet AZA’s rigorous standards for animal wellbeing, care, and management before undergoing official independent inspection.
How often must facilities renew their accreditation?
Accredited zoos and aquariums must complete the comprehensive review process every five years as a mandatory condition of Association membership.
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