AZA Accreditation: Much More Than a Seal of Quality
For the general public, a zoo accreditation may seem like nothing more than a logo displayed on a website or at the entrance of an institution.
Yet behind those three letters, AZA, for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, lies one of the most rigorous evaluation processes in the modern zoological field. In fact, only eight Canadian institutions currently hold this recognition, including Zoo de Granby.
Every five years, accredited institutions must undergo a comprehensive inspection conducted by a committee of independent experts from other North American zoos and aquariums. In less than a month, from June 9 to 12, Zoo de Granby will in turn welcome this important evaluation team as part of the renewal of its accreditation.
More than a prestigious recognition, this process serves as a powerful driver of continuous improvement. It pushes institutions to constantly reassess their practices, enhance their facilities, and maintain the highest standards in animal welfare, veterinary medicine, safety, conservation, education, and management.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Institution
Unlike certain certifications that focus on only one aspect of operations, AZA accreditation examines virtually every component of a zoological institution. Inspectors evaluate, among other things:
- Animal and veterinary care;
- Behavioral enrichment programs;
- The quality and complexity of habitats;
- Nutrition;
- Safety protocols;
- Staff training;
- Emergency preparedness plans;
- Ethical practices;
- Educational activities;
- Conservation initiatives;
As well as the institution’s governance and financial stability.
The process includes extensive preliminary documentation, several days of on-site inspections, and an official hearing before the AZA Accreditation Commission.
Most importantly, accreditation is never granted permanently. Zoological standards continually evolve alongside scientific advances in animal behavior, health, and welfare. Institutions must therefore constantly adapt and improve in order to maintain their status. Currently, fewer than 10% of zoological institutions in the United States hold this accreditation. There are 254 accredited institutions across 12 countries.
A Direct Impact on Animal Welfare
At the heart of the accreditation process lies one fundamental priority: animal welfare. The AZA enforces extremely high scientific standards regarding daily care, voluntary medical training programs, mental and physical stimulation (enrichment), social interactions, and habitat design. The objective is not simply to ensure the survival of the animals in our care, but rather to promote their physical and psychological well-being.
This approach pushes modern zoological institutions to continuously rethink their environments and practices in order to better meet the specific needs of each species. Habitats evolve, and so do the methods used to care for animals. Accreditation therefore acts as a genuine safeguard for animal welfare by imposing recurring, independent evaluation mechanisms that encourage excellence rather than complacency.
Zoos Actively Contributing to Conservation
AZA accreditation is not limited to the animals housed in zoos; it also recognizes an institution’s commitment to protecting biodiversity on a global scale.
Today, accredited zoos and aquariums play a major role in the conservation of endangered species, both in the wild and in zoological settings. They participate in international research, breeding, reintroduction, and habitat protection programs. In 2024 alone, AZA-accredited institutions invested more than $341 million USD in field conservation projects around the world. These initiatives benefited nearly 400 threatened species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
The AZA network also coordinates nearly 300 animal population management programs (Species Survival Plans), which help maintain genetically viable populations of threatened species in zoological institutions and, in some cases, support species recovery efforts in the wild. For its part, Zoo de Granby participates in approximately thirty of these programs for species under its care, sparing no effort in supporting their success.
A Responsibility Toward the Public
For visitors, choosing an accredited institution is also a way to make an informed decision. AZA accreditation assures the public that an institution meets very high standards and undergoes regular independent evaluations. It also demonstrates a concrete commitment to education, science, conservation, and animal welfare.
At a time when concerns about animals and biodiversity are becoming increasingly prominent in society, this level of rigor is essential to maintaining public trust.
A Demanding… Yet Deeply Unifying Process
At Zoo de Granby, renewing accreditation represents months, even years of preparation, review, and collaboration among teams. Behind this process lie hundreds of protocols, constant evaluations, continuous self-assessment, and a collective commitment to excellence.
But beyond the administrative process, this accreditation above all reflects a deep conviction: that modern zoological institutions must continually evolve, learn, and push themselves further in order to provide the very best care possible for animals while actively contributing to the conservation of life on Earth.
And that is precisely what the AZA recognizes.
