Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The future is green! ???? In recognition of our members’ commitment to upholding accreditation standards and integrating sustainability and #ClimateAction into their conservation efforts, AZA proudly presented The Green Award at the 2024 Annual Conference. ?? Among the honorees were the Houston Zoo, National Aquarium, and Atlantis Dubai. The Green Award, established in 2011, honors AZA member facilities for innovative programs that reduce environmental impact and prove that #Sustainability is not just good for the planet, but also essential for successful business operations. ?? One standout project is the National Aquarium’s Harbor Wetland, a free 10,000-square-foot exhibit that debuted in August 2024. ?? This innovative space earned Top Honors for allowing visitors to explore a fabricated tidal salt marsh up close from floating docks in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. ??? Read more about the outstanding members and initiatives recognized with the Green Award: https://bit.ly/4ilKp9S. #ItsInOurNature #AZA #GreenInitiative #ClimateChange #HoustonZoo #NationalAquarium #Baltimore #AtlantisDubai #Dubai #Sustainable #SustainableFuture #EnvironmentalEducation #EnvironmentalFootprint #PlasticFree

Capitol Hill was roaring this Wednesday! ?? Advocacy Day brought together 120 members of the AZA community to champion our shared policy priorities. Representing 31 states and 61 AZA-accredited facilities, attendees participated in nearly 170 congressional meetings, culminating in a well-attended reception featuring ambassador animals from The Maryland Zoo and Philadelphia Zoo, as well as a virtual reality experience from CMEC member IMMOTION. Thank you to everyone who joined and to the representatives who engaged with us, including members of the nonpartisan Congressional Zoo & Aquarium Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Mike Quigley (IL) and Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY). What’s next? Learn more about the policies and priorities our advocates championed, and join us in pushing for government action, at both the local and national levels, to support #Conservation, animal well-being, #Sustainability, and environmental justice. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3FbJgDf. #AZAAdvocacyDay #AdvocacyDay #CapitolHill #ItsInOurNature #Legislation #Zoo #Aquarium #WildlifeConservation #EnvironmentalJustice #AZA

Register today for the Animal Training Applications in Zoo and Aquarium Settings course! Course registration closes on March 9th. https://lnkd.in/ewnQ5ju8 Animal Training Applications in Zoo & Aquarium Settings is a facility-based course that provides zoo and aquarium staff with a background in training theory and an understanding of the skills necessary to train animals in a team-focused environment. Selected training concepts and skills will be taught via animal demonstrations, group activities and individual skill development opportunities. This course takes place from April 6 to April 11 in Columbus, Ohio. Early Bird rates have been extended for AZA Pathways Members only until March 9. Contact [email protected] directly to register the Early Bird rate.

Today, our community gathered for training ahead of this year's Capitol Hill Advocacy Day. Advocates from across the country are preparing for face-to-face meetings with legislators, working together to advance key wildlife #Conservation and animal wellbeing laws. This year’s priorities include addressing USDA inspection challenges, highlighting the role of #Zoos and #Aquariums in rescue and rehabilitation, and securing federal funding for critical programs. We are grateful for the passionate advocates who have joined us and the representatives committed to supporting conservation and animal care. Stay tuned tomorrow for updates from the Hill on #AZAAdvocacyDay! #ItsInOurNature #GovernmentAffairs #WildlifeConservation #CapitolHill

Put in your ear buds, go for a walk, and hear Dan Ashe and AZA's Katey Leban talking more about the AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program, including celebrating the milestone of 50 AZA SAFE programs. Listen at https://bit.ly/4if9S4k, on Spotify, Apple, YouTube or search for Rossifari on your favorite podcast app! Special thanks to Jon Rossi for such a fun and impactful podcast!

Great blooloop editorial featuring our very own Dan Ashe and Denise M. Verret, our Board Chair and CEO and Director for the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. TY for sharing about the 100th Anniversary of AZA, 50 AZA SAFE programs, the importance of accreditation, and so much more! https://lnkd.in/eG-eB3RT

When a storm is approaching, zoos and aquariums rely on strong collaboration between their teams and partners to ensure the safety of animals, staff, and guests. SSA Group takes this responsibility seriously—working hand in hand with our partners, like The Florida Aquarium, to prepare, respond, and recover. Read more about how planning, teamwork, and communication make all the difference when facing extreme weather: https://lnkd.in/edabNJbM. #ZooAndAquariumCommunity #EmergencyPreparedness #PartnershipInAction #SSAGroup #TheFloridaAquarium

2024 was a record-breaking year for AZA’s SAFE program! This past year, Saving Animals From Extinction? expanded its global reach and surpassed major milestones. The program celebrated its 50th species program—more than three years ahead of target! In just ten years, SAFE has become a powerful force in #Conservation, bringing together ecologists, biologists, veterinarians, social scientists, educators, marketers, and more to drive species recovery across the globe. In 2024, this collaboration has led to incredible impact, including: ? 10 new SAFE species programs launched, benefiting species like the red panda, snow leopard, and Attwater’s prairie chicken. ? 12 new program plans published to guide strategic conservation efforts. ? Generous support from partners like Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and the Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Foundation, helping fund over 40% of conservation grant applications. ? A record $350 million invested by AZA members in wildlife conservation. SAFE continues to be where AZA members apply their expertise, attract new funding, and make a real difference for wildlife. ?????? Read more about SAFE’s successes and what’s next in the 2024 SAFE Annual Report.: https://bit.ly/3CXlom7. #AZASAFE #SavingSpecies #SAFESpecies #WildlifeProtection #WildlifeConservation #ItsInOurNature

Today is the final day to save up to $100 on registration for our 2025 Mid-Year Meeting. ? Discounts end tonight at 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)! ? ?? Join us in sunny Palm Springs, California, where The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will help host an event that brings together colleagues in the AZA community for networking, peer-developed learning, guest speakers, and engaging discussions. ?? ??Don’t let this deal slip through your paws! ?? Pounce on this opportunity now & register today: https://bit.ly/3ENYXQS. Photo Credit ?? Michael Pachis, Memphis Zoo — 2024 Connect Photo Contest Highlight #ItsInOurNature #Conservation #ConservationEducation #AnimalCare #WildlifeConservation #SAFEAZA #ProfessionalDevelopment #AZA #Zoo #Aquarium #PalmSprings

A new "committee" has been formed at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens! ?? The Zoo has opened its new Cape vulture #Exhibit in a habitat designed to replicate their #Natural range. The 7-bird “committee" (the name for a group of #Vultures) can be seen in the Animals of Africa section of the #Zoo. The new exhibit space allows a closer look at their #Roosting, #Nesting, and social interactions among the birds. ???? CEO and Director at the Zoo Denise Verret said, “The new space will undoubtedly help Angelenos continue to foster a deeper connection to wildlife and an appreciation for a species that plays a vital role in the environment.” ?? Learn more about the exhibit in Connect: https://bit.ly/4hHO41A. #AnimalCare #Conservation #CapeVultures #Vulture #Habitat #NaturalHabitat #LosAngeles #California #AnimalHealth #Zoos