Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Curious how changing priorities at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums will affect their overall design? To enhance animal wellbeing and improve guest experience, zoo and aquarium habitats will become larger and more natural, closely resembling animals' wild environments ??. The species’ composition will evolve, there will be fewer large animals and habitats will need to accommodate these changes over generations. Emphasis will be placed on regional and local zoo and aquarium conservation efforts, in cooperation with various community organizations. Non-animal attractions will be added to appeal to younger generations, along with exclusive programs for guests. ?? Universal design principles will ensure #Accessibility for all, including aging populations and individuals with disabilities, while sustainable design practices will address climate change and promote health, aiming to make zoos and aquariums climate-positive organizations. Learn more about how institutions across the U.S. are addressing Zoo and Aquarium Design in the Trends 2033 Report, available here: https://bit.ly/40zDAM6. #Zoo #Aquarium #Design #ItsInOurNature #UniversalDesign

Oh my Osh! ?? The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee has welcomed a 30-year-old male African #Elephant named Osh from the Oakland Zoo. Osh safely arrived after making his cross-country journey, and he quickly settled into his new home in #Tennessee. ??? Recognizing that elephants’ social lives play a critical role in supporting their behavioral health, the decision to relocate Osh was made after careful consultation with the AZA African Elephant Taxon Advisory Group. To ensure his long-term care and companionship, Oakland Zoo decided to move Osh to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, where he would have the opportunity to socialize with other #Elephants. ?? “It was a long journey across the country, but there were many smiles from both The Sanctuary staff and Osh’s Oakland team as he explored the new barn,” said Janice Zeitlin, chief executive officer of the #ElephantSanctuary in Tennessee. ?? Learn more about Osh and his travels in Connect: https://bit.ly/4fkyQ1e #AnimalCare?#AfricanElephants?#TAG?#AZA?#AnimalBehavior?#AnimalHealth?#Conservation?#Oakland?#California?#Hohenwald

What do a Snow Leopard, Red Siskin, and Prairie Butterfly have in common? They are all #SAFE Species that have been added in 2024! ?????? Over the last couple of years, our SAFE Species programs have seen a rapid development. Around 80% of #AZA members are involved in at least one SAFE program, with the ultimate goal to have every single accredited facility involved in a SAFE program by 2027! ?? Until then, we can't forget the other SAFE Species programs added this year, including the Wyoming Toad, Thick-billed Parrot and Action Indonesia—Anoa, Babirusa, and Banteng! ?? Does your facility collaborate with or lead a SAFE program? Shout them out in the comment section! ?? Read more about these new SAFE programs: https://bit.ly/3viDYRt. #ItsInOurNature #EndangeredSpecies #SnowLeopard #Siskin #Butterfly #Butterflies #Toad #Parrot #Parrots #Banteng #Babirusa #Conservation #Wildlife #WildlifeConservation #Zoo #Aquarium

?? As Day 2 draws to a close, the inaugural Animal Wellbeing Summit in #NewOrleans concludes a powerful two days of insights and collaboration! This morning, expert speakers covered essential topics in physiology, reproductive management, #AnimalScience, population management, welfare science, and #AnimalBehavior. We welcomed presenters from top organizations such as the Detroit Zoological Society, Saint Louis Zoo, Audubon Nature Institute, Lincoln Park Zoo, Virginia Tech School of Animal Sciences, and Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment. ?? This unique Summit brought together 133 AZA members representing 78 facilities (about a third of our members!) along with professionals from 34 other organizations committed to #AnimalWellbeing, creating a space for collaboration across diverse perspectives and approaches. ?? We were also honored to have 14 international attendees joining us from #Bermuda, #Canada, #Singapore, #Australia, #NewZealand, #Belgium, and the #UAE! ?? Stay tuned for key insights from this one-of-a-kind event! #AnimalWelfare #ItsInOurNature #AnimalCare #AnimalHealth #AZA #NewOrleans #Louisiana #NOLA #Zoo #Aquarium #AnimalWellbeingSummit

?? Many of you have likely already begun incorporating #AI and other modern tools into your institutions, and as these new technologies and tools become more prevalent and seamlessly integrated into existing systems and processes, we can expect #Zoo and #Aquarium jobs such as sales, customer service, finance, staff training, marketing, and visitor support to dramatically transform. ?? ?? Learn more about how institutions across the U.S. are incorporating innovative #Technology in the Trends 2033 Report, available here: https://bit.ly/4fLU4oI. #ArtificialIntelligence #Tech #Innovation #EmergingTech #VR #VirtualReality #AugmentedReality #SocialMedia #TechNews #MachineLearning #BioTech #BioTechnology #ItsInOurNature #MegatrendMonday

Yesterday, nearly 200 #Zoo and #Aquarium professionals kicked off AZA’s first-ever Animal Wellbeing Summit in New Orleans! Attendees are diving into exciting insights, sharing experiences, and discovering fresh ways to enhance #AnimalCare at their AZA-accredited facilities. ?? Together, we’re elevating the future of animal wellbeing! ? More about AZA's culture of Animal Wellbeing: https://bit.ly/4hJuthU. #ItsInOurNature #AnimalWellbeing #AnimalCare #AnimalHealth #AZA #NewOrleans #Louisiana #NOLA

Welcoming 2?? #Zooborns at Chattanooga Zoo! ?? Recently, Daphne the pied tamarin gave birth to two healthy offspring! The newborn pair of critically endangered primates belong to the Callitrichidae family, which includes many of the world’s smallest #Primates, like marmosets and other tamarins. ?? When fully grown, they will only weigh about one pound and grow to roughly one foot long. ?? Pied #Tamarins are listed on the IUCN Red List as critically endangered and can only be found in a small area of the Brazilian rainforest, making this birth a significant moment for the #Species! This year’s twins are Daphne and Dudley’s second successful #Birth. ?? “Wildlife conservation is at the core of Chattanooga Zoo,” said Lacey Hickle, general curator. “We are working hard to help in the fight to save pied tamarins from extinction, and we are proud of our successes with this species.” Visitors can submit their votes to name the #Zoobabies. ?? Learn more about their species and the potential names in Connect: https://bit.ly/4fGNqQx #AnimalHealth #AnimalCare #ZooBaby #Tennessee #Chattanooga #Tamarins #Callitrichidae #Conservation #CriticallyEndangered #EndangeredSpecies

?? Exciting News! ?? We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between Event Network, LLC and the Gladys Porter Zoo! As a longstanding member of AZA, since 1978 Gladys Porter Zoo has demonstrated unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation, education, and sustainability—values that are deeply shared at Event Network. Event Network is committed to creating retail experiences that not only inspire but also contribute to the preservation of our planet. This partnership allows them to further support Gladys Porter Zoo’s impactful conservation work, offering guests a unique way to engage with wildlife protection efforts. Together, they aim to bring meaningful experiences that connect guests to nature, support conservation initiatives, and drive positive change. ??? Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey with Gladys Porter Zoo! https://bit.ly/48KCuyS #EventNetwork #Conservation #GladysPorterZoo #AZA #WildlifeConservation #RetailWithPurpose

?? Dive into the depths of the Gulf of Mexico at the Audubon Aquarium's "Deep Dive into the Gulf" exhibit! Now open in #NewOrleans, this interactive experience takes visitors through the twilight and midnight zones of the Gulf and explores the vibrant #Ecosystems and marine life rarely seen by the public. ?? ?? As the first public exhibit to spotlight essential #Coral restoration work, this exhibit highlights a commitment to conservation and education from the #Aquarium and the Audubon Nature Institute. Visitors of all ages can explore the wonders of the Gulf with interactive models, a 3D map of the Gulf’s bottom, and hands-on learning activities! ??? Made possible through a grant from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the exhibit also showcases #Corals collected as part of ongoing restoration efforts in the Gulf. ? With daily talks from aquarium keepers and educators, the aquarium hopes to inspire visitors with the beauty and importance of these habitats and encourage a commitment to protecting them for future generations. ?? Plunge deeper into this unique exhibit in Connect: https://bit.ly/3XGE92i. #GulfOfMexico #Science #MarineScience #MarineLife #Louisiana #Conservation #Education

?? More Motus, anyone? The Assiniboine Park Conservancy in #Winnipeg recently installed a new Motus station on the roof of the Qualico Family Centre, joining an international collaborative network that supports research and education on the #Ecology and conservation of migratory animals. The #Motus Wildlife Tracking System by Birds Canada, uses a global network of radio receivers to track small transmitters on #Birds, #Bats, and #Insects ??????. With the help of more than 2,500 partners in 34 countries, Motus monitors migration patterns over long distances to better understand the movement of these animals. ?? The new Motus station strengthens Assiniboine Park Zoo’s role in AZA’s #SAFE North American Songbirds program, which it has been actively involved in since 2019. ?? The Zoo continues to collaborate with other AZA-accredited #Zoos and #Aquariums to reduce threats to North American songbirds and secure sustainable wild populations through education and conservation activities. ?? Read more about the Motus network and the other initiatives the #Zoo uses to engage the community in the #Conservation of wild birds in Connect: https://bit.ly/4fqs8H5. #MigratoryBirds #Wildlife #Bird #Technology #Science #GreenTech #Songbirds #Manitoba #Canada #WorldScienceDay