As the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) celebrates over a century of leadership, its impact on conservation, animal welfare, and public engagement is more powerful than ever. AZA-accredited institutions aren’t just meeting standards—they’re setting the global benchmark for what it means to protect, care for, and connect people with wildlife.
Why AZA Stands Out
- Gold Standard Accreditation: Since making accreditation mandatory in 1985, AZA has transformed zoos and aquariums from simple collections into mission-driven, conservation-focused organizations.
- Diversity and Inclusion: AZA’s commitment to diverse leadership and inclusive programs ensures that a wide range of voices and expertise shape the future of wildlife protection.
- SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction: With over 50 SAFE species programs and hundreds of partners, AZA is uniting the world’s top minds and resources to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change head-on.
- Collaboration at Scale: AZA members collectively invest over $360 million annually in field conservation—more than double the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered species budget—proving the power of partnership.
- Global Reach: With expanding membership across North America and beyond, AZA’s influence is growing on the world stage, setting the gold standard for animal welfare and conservation everywhere.
Innovative Initiatives
- Wildlife Confiscations Network: Providing rapid placement for seized animals, supporting law enforcement, and protecting vulnerable species.
- ‘Not a Pet’ Campaign: Educating the public on responsible pet ownership to combat wildlife trafficking.
- Animal Well-Being Strategy: Advancing beyond basic care to focus on autonomy, choice, and psychological fulfillment for every animal.
Why This Matters
In a world facing biodiversity and climate crises, AZA empowers zoos and aquariums to inspire action, build public trust, and deliver real conservation outcomes. The majority of visitors want ethical, responsible experiences—and AZA accreditation is their assurance of excellence and impact.
As a proud AZA member, Pigeon-Tech is dedicated to supporting this mission with digital tools that elevate guest engagement and conservation education.
Want to amplify your zoo or aquarium’s impact?
Email info@pigeon-tech.com to schedule a Pigeon Suite demo and discover how we can help you inspire, educate, and conserve—together.
