The fundamental role of accredited zoos
Every year, on April 8, we celebrate the fundamental role that accredited zoos play in protecting biodiversity, educating the public, and supporting global wildlife conservation. More than just places of discovery or recreation, these institutions are now essential players in the fight against species extinction and serve as key anchors for preserving the world’s most threatened species.
Institutions Recognized for High Standards
Being accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is far more than a seal of quality: it ensures that a facility meets the highest standards for animal welfare, veterinary care, population management, education, and scientific conservation. This accreditation, renewed every five years through a rigorous evaluation, covers all aspects of zoo operations: from habitats to educational programs, as well as safety and staff training.
At the Zoo de Granby, accreditation standards guide every aspect of the institution’s work.
Habitats are carefully designed to closely replicate animals’ natural environments, promoting their well-being and natural behaviors. Animal care technicians and biologists continuously monitor health, enrich daily activities, and improve living conditions.
This creates a living educational and scientific ecosystem within the zoo, where every action contributes to both protection and learning.
Conservation: Maintaining Viable Populations for the Future
In a world where natural habitats are declining and pressures on animal populations are increasing, accredited zoos play a unique conservation role. Species Survival Plans (SSPs) are cooperative programs that manage reproduction, genetic diversity, and population health in a controlled environment to reduce the risk of extinction.
In this context, zoos act like modern-day “Arks”. Without removing animals from their natural habitats, they provide a safe refuge and scientific support for species whose environments are severely threatened. Animals born in zoological settings strengthen overall species resilience and, when possible, support reintroduction programs… provided the natural habitat is suitable for survival. This is why accredited institutions also work in the wild, ensuring a sustainable future for living species.
At the Zoo de Granby, this role is tangible: the zoo participates in more than thirty breeding programs, including emblematic species such as the Amur leopard and the mandrill. Each birth represents a victory and a step toward genetic security for threatened populations, contributing to global conservation efforts that extend far beyond Quebec.
Education and Awareness: Connecting People and Nature
One of the most powerful roles of accredited zoos is their ability to create emotional connections between people and animals. Close encounters with species that visitors would never see otherwise foster a deeper understanding of conservation challenges and the impact of human actions on wildlife and natural habitats.
With more than 600,000 annual visitors, the Zoo de Granby is a major educational platform in Quebec.
Every day, naturalists, biologists, and technicians share their knowledge and experiences, helping visitors discover species’ ecology, the threats they face, and concrete ways to protect them. Interactive and outreach programs extend beyond the zoo itself, encouraging visitors to become active conservation participants in their daily lives and showing that biodiversity preservation is a shared responsibility.
Global Support and Research
Accredited zoos do not limit their work to their own walls: they financially and technically support field conservation projects, collaborate with international partners, and contribute to scientific research on the behavior, health, and ecology of threatened species. AZA institutions support more than 2,500 conservation projects across about 100 countries, with total investments exceeding CAD 320 million.
At the Zoo de Granby, staff work year-round to support field programs, particularly in species’ native habitats, providing expertise, funding, and scientific monitoring. Research conducted at the zoo enhances global knowledge of species and helps tailor conservation strategies to real-world ecosystems, maximizing the impact of both local and international efforts.
On April 8, as we celebrate National Zoo Appreciation Day, we honor the vital role of accredited zoos worldwide:
- Active stewards of biodiversity;
- Modern-day “Arks,” providing protection and refuge for the most vulnerable species;
- Passionate educators connecting visitors with wildlife;
- Scientific and social partners advancing global conservation;
- Gateways to wonder, learning, and engagement.
Through institutions like the Zoo de Granby, these missions come to life every day. By supporting them and understanding their role, we contribute to preserving our natural heritage for today and for generations to come.
