With a mission that spans conservation, animal care, and public engagement, AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, has consistently led efforts to ensure accredited institutions not only meet high standards but also push the boundaries of what it means to protect and connect with the natural world.
To gain insight into the association’s pivotal role in shaping the future of wildlife conservation and sustainability, we speak to Dan Ashe, CEO of AZA, and Denise Verret, AZA board chair and CEO and director of the Los Angeles Zoo.
Both have devoted their careers to advancing the work of zoos and aquariums. Their passion for AZA’s mission is evident as they share their vision for the future of AZA, the global impact of initiatives such as SAFE, and the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation in their work.
They also offer insight into how AZA is influencing the conservation landscape and responding to evolving public expectations in an increasingly interconnected world.
The importance of accreditation
AZA celebrated its centennial in 2024. A key moment in its history was in 1974, when it began accrediting facilities, starting with the Oregon Zoo and the Philadelphia Zoo. These zoos have retained that status ever since. By 1985, accreditation was made mandatory for membership.
“That was a crucial decision. It meant that meeting rigorous standards wasn’t optional,” says Ashe. “We lost a lot of members because some either didn’t want to or couldn’t meet those standards. But that shift was necessary.
“It marked a turning point, moving away from the old philosophy of zoos as mere collections of animals toward a mission-driven, engaging experience for visitors and a focus on conservation and education.
“That decision required real courage, but it set the global gold standard for what a modern zoo and aquarium should be. It shaped AZA into the organisation it is today.”
In September 2024, Verret became the 100th chair of the AZA board of directors.
“When I think about my journey, it’s shaped by my upbringing in Los Angeles—navigating spaces where diversity was sometimes lacking and overcoming barriers along the way,” she says. “That experience mirrors the evolution of zoos and aquariums: transformation and growth guided by resilience and authenticity. As board chair, my focus is ensuring that we continue to evolve for the next 100 years.”
The cornerstone of that future is advancing the new strategic plan, which builds upon AZA accreditation.
“We must continue setting the standard for excellence, deepening our commitment to animal well-being, and advancing the science of care and welfare for the animals entrusted to us,” Verret adds. “We’re also expanding our influence in policy, conservation, and inclusion efforts. These priorities lay the foundation for growth and ensure we remain a leader in the next century.”
Inclusion and diversity at AZA
The roles of zoos and aquariums continue to evolve, especially in light of growing awareness around biodiversity loss and climate change. Talking about how AZA plans to strengthen its leadership in these areas, Ashe says:
“We continue to focus on inclusion and diversity, ensuring a variety of voices are represented. In nature, we celebrate the strength of biological diversity—it’s a fundamental indicator of resilience in ecosystems. Within our association, we take the same approach.
“By fostering diversity in experience, perspective, race, gender, and ethnicity, we make AZA as strong as it can be.
“That commitment is reflected in our executive leadership development programme. Each year, we select 10 to 12 emerging leaders within the community, giving them the opportunity to grow and develop over the course of a year.”
Today, many graduates of this programme have gone on to become directors, chief operating officers, and key decision-makers in the field of zoos and aquariums.
“They embody diversity not because of quotas or labels but because they have met and exceeded the high standards of excellence we set for ourselves. It’s not about choosing people based on race, gender, or political affiliation. It’s about selecting the best in the field.”
SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction
AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction is the organisation’s internationally recognised programme to preserve critically endangered species. Since its creation in 2015, it has harnessed the expertise and resources of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to help protect species and encourage wildlife protection.
AZA set an initial goal of reaching 50 SAFE species programmes by 2028. However, this milestone has arrived more than three years ahead of schedule. Discussing how to follow up this success, Ashe says:
“What’s next is continuing to bring people together. When we talk about 50 SAFE species programmes, what’s behind that is a vast network of facilities and dedicated individuals working toward a common goal. We know that nature is a diminishing resource right now.
“If we’re going to address the biodiversity and climate crises, we need large-scale conservation efforts that truly make a difference. That requires many people working together.”
Behind those 50 SAFE species are hundreds of partner organisations.
“Take AZA SAFE Monarch, for example. Over 120 partners are working together for Monarch Butterfly conservation. The same applies to North American Bird SAFE and Sharks & Rays SAFE. These programmes create spaces for collaboration where partners can share knowledge, learn from successes and failures, and ultimately amplify their impact.
“The real measure of success will be how many organisations we can bring together to achieve our shared conservation goals. I hope to see even more of that in the future.”
Collaboration is key
The AZA SAFE initiative includes member zoos, aquariums, science centres, sanctuaries, government agencies, and other NGOs.
“Each of these partners brings their strengths and expertise to the table, and we’re going to need even more of that collaboration going forward,” says Ashe.
“Just last year, our members contributed over $360 million in direct support for field conservation and advocacy. To put that in perspective, my former agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has an annual budget of about $180 million for endangered species conservation. That means AZA members are investing twice that amount each year to prevent extinction. It’s an extraordinary commitment to conservation on a global scale.”
Verret adds: “The inclusive efforts that our members are intentionally undertaking under AZA’s leadership are a perfect example of how we can remove barriers and bring people together.
“Not everyone has the same resources—whether in terms of staffing, funding, or expertise—but you don’t have to be a researcher, scientist, or animal care expert to be involved in SAFE programs. These initiatives create opportunities for participation from within the profession and beyond through partnerships, making conservation work more diverse, accessible, and impactful.”
SAFE also provides an entry point for some of AZA’s smaller members. “Not every institution can be the Los Angeles Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom,” says Ashe. “But if you’re a smaller facility, AZA SAFE allows you to participate in conservation efforts that might not be possible on your own.
“It creates a way for every institution, regardless of size and budget, to play a meaningful role in species protection.”
The value of AZA membership
With 251 accredited members, AZA fosters collaboration across zoos and aquariums.
“One of the biggest benefits of AZA membership—something that isn’t always obvious from the outside—is the incredible network it creates,” says Ashe.
Members have instant access to shared knowledge and expertise across institutions.
“A great example of this is how we’re handling highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu. Our members can communicate in real-time, sharing updates on what’s happening at their facilities, what strategies are working, and what challenges they face. That kind of immediate collaboration is invaluable and a true strength of our community.”
“One of the things I appreciate is AZA’s commitment to inclusion,” says Verret. “Traditionally, serving on an AZA committee required the ability to travel to conferences and attend in-person meetings, which could be a barrier for many professionals. The Education Committee was among the first to change that by creating regional Communities of Practice.”
This model allows individuals who aren’t official committee members but serve in education roles across zoos and aquariums to participate virtually, contribute their expertise, and engage with the committee’s work from a regional perspective. It removes barriers and expands access to collaboration.
“This approach is about giving more professionals in our field the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. The Education Committee set the precedent, and the Government Affairs Committee has adopted a similar model.
“These regional Communities of Practice make our work more inclusive and help develop and support professionals, ensuring they stay current and actively engaged in shaping the future of our industry.”
AZA initiatives
Regarding new initiatives, Ashe outlines the ‘Not a Pet’ campaign, which was launched in collaboration with the International Fund for Animal Welfare:
“The pet trade is one of the biggest drivers of wildlife trafficking, and Denise and her team have firsthand experience with its impact. Through this campaign, we’re working to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and ethical purchasing decisions to reduce demand for illegally traded animals.”
Another major initiative is AZA’s Wildlife Confiscations Network, which it is currently piloting in Southern California.
“We’re partnering with government agencies to provide immediate placement for seized wildlife, whether it’s a spider monkey, 20 endangered tarantulas, or 100 confiscated giant clams.”
This network allows law enforcement officers to concentrate on prosecuting wildlife traffickers without the burden of deciding where to place the animals. “It’s an exciting collaboration between AZA members and government agencies, aiding in the conservation of wildlife and holding criminals accountable.”
AZA’s role on the global stage
As AZA expands its global partnerships, particularly through programs like SAFE and Species Survival Plans, the team also sees the role of AZA-accredited members and institutions evolving on the world stage.
“We like to say that AZA sets the global gold standard for modern zoos and aquariums, and I truly believe that,” says Ashe. “Our accreditation program is the most comprehensive and rigorous in the world.”
“I also want to acknowledge the other excellent accrediting bodies, such as the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia. These organisations are highly professional, and we work closely with them individually and through the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
“Looking ahead, I believe AZA will have an even larger global footprint. Our Pathway Toward Membership programme is a key part of that expansion. We currently have 41 facilities enrolled, including 11 in Canada, two in Mexico, and one in the United Arab Emirates.”
This growing interest in accreditation reflects the increasing public expectations for institutions that exhibit animals. Around the world, people want to know that zoos and aquariums are meeting the highest standards of care, welfare, and conservation.
“That’s why we’re seeing a rising demand for AZA accreditation on a global scale.”
Changing perceptions of zoos and aquariums
Public perceptions of zoos and aquariums continue to evolve, especially in recent years. Speaking about how AZA helps its members adapt to changing expectations around animal welfare and sustainability, Ashe says:
“There’s often a focus on a relatively small but vocal segment of society with strong negative feelings about animals in human care. However, I like to remind people that AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums welcome more than 200 million visitors annually. Even post-pandemic, our members have seen record attendance and revenue, which tells us that people still deeply value these experiences.”
“At the same time, we’re facing a global biodiversity and climate crisis, and nature is becoming a diminishing resource. People are looking for ways to connect with wildlife in a setting where they can trust that the animals aren’t just fed and housed but are genuinely thriving.
“That’s what AZA members are committed to. When you visit an AZA-accredited facility and see a tiger, a lion, or an elephant, you can be assured that it’s receiving exceptional care and living a life worth living.
“These moments also provide powerful opportunities to inspire visitors to take action for conservation.”
AZA’s research shows that less than 10% of people consistently oppose zoos and aquariums. “The majority fall into that middle space—they enjoy visiting but want to be confident that they are supporting ethical, responsible institutions. That’s where the AZA brand is so important. It reassures the public that our members meet the highest animal care, welfare, and conservation standards.”
Animal wellbeing
“We do encounter people with strong opinions about animals in human care, but as Dan mentioned, they represent a small, though vocal, minority,” says Verret. “That doesn’t mean we ignore them, but our primary focus is on serving and expanding our audience, engaging the visitors who come through our gates and those we hope to reach in the future.
“We never want to rest on our past success. We constantly challenge ourselves to evolve and meet the expectations of both our current and future guests. It’s important to listen, adapt, and ensure that we’re always striving for the highest standards in animal welfare, education, and conservation.”
On this point, AZA recently introduced a new Animal Well-Being strategy.
“Our aim is to progress beyond traditional but vital aspects of animal welfare—such as nutrition, space, and security—towards a more comprehensive concept of wellbeing,” says Ashe. “We look at animals as individuals, take into account their social and psychological needs, and integrate concepts like choice and control.”
This means giving animals more autonomy in their daily lives, allowing them to make choices about their environment, what they eat, whether they want to interact with other animals, and even how close they want to be to guests.
“This shift is key to building public confidence. It’s not just about ensuring animals are cared for. It’s about ensuring they live truly fulfilling lives. That’s the future of zoos and aquariums.”
Meeting Wisdom
Ashe and Verret finish by sharing moments of reflection that have reaffirmed their commitment to this work.
“Two come to mind,” says Ashe. “In 2011, I visited Midway Atoll in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. I was standing about 10 feet from Wisdom, a Laysan albatross—the oldest known wild bird in the world.”
She was first banded in 1956 and is estimated to be around 74 years old. In November 2024, she laid another egg. “Just think about that. This bird has endured decades of challenges, migrating thousands of miles, surviving storms and predators, yet she continues to thrive.
“To me, Wisdom represents everything we admire in the natural world. She’s a devoted mother, a dedicated mate, and a true survivor. Knowing that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where I was working at the time, was protecting the place that allows her and others like her to persist made me incredibly proud.
“It was a powerful reminder of why conservation matters.”
The second is more personal:
“My daughter played soccer at university. When she came home after training camp, she was wearing a jersey with ‘Hawkeye’ on the back – all the freshmen were given nicknames. When I asked why she got ‘Hawkeye,’ she said, ‘Because every time we were at practice, I’d always be saying, “Look, there’s a hawk!”’ Her teammates were amazed at how she always spotted them, and she responded, ‘How do you not see them?’
“That moment reminded me how important it is to take the time to notice and appreciate the natural world around us.
“In many ways, our members do that daily. They help people slow down, pay attention, and reconnect with the incredible wildlife surrounding us. Sometimes, all it takes is a moment of awareness to spark a lifelong passion for conservation.”
Why conservation matters
Verret says: “There are so many moments I could choose from, but one stands out in particular. In 2020, after working at the Los Angeles Zoo for 20 years, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge and witness a California condor release.
“It was especially meaningful because some of the birds being released that day were hatched and reared at the LA Zoo.”
“At these releases, sometimes the birds take their time before stepping out of the pen. Some may not even leave right away. But on this particular day, I was fortunate to watch them take flight, soaring over the California skies. With their massive wingspans, condors don’t flap their wings when they’re high up; they glide effortlessly over the landscape.”
“It was a perfect blue-sky day. Seeing these magnificent birds soaring above, knowing how much effort has gone into protecting this critically endangered species, was awe-inspiring.
“I was deeply moved. Not just by the sight of the condors in the wild, but by the journey that led them there.”
From breeding season and egg-laying to chick-rearing and adolescence, these birds go through a lot before they’re ready to survive independently. “To witness that complete cycle come to life was an experience I will never forget.
“It reaffirmed why we do this work—why conservation matters, why we dedicate ourselves to protecting wildlife and the ecosystems we share. It was a moment that grounded me in our purpose and our responsibility to future generations.”
Top image courtesy of Zoo Atlanta
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