Philadelphia Zoo Receives Prestigious Accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Philadelphia Zoo is proud to share that it has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) independent Accreditation Commission, marking more than 50 years of continuously meeting the gold standard of zoological accreditation.

This process includes a thorough review by independent inspectors that ensures the Zoo has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards in animal wellbeing, veterinary care, educational programs, guest services, and staff training. The accreditation was ceremoniously awarded at the 2025 National Conference of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in Tampa, Florida. Philadelphia Zoo is one of two zoos to have been continuously accredited since 1984.

“As America’s first Zoo, it is part of our DNA to always be at the forefront of what a Zoo should be,” said Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “Animal care and wellbeing are at the core of every decision we make, and we are always looking at what we can do better for not only the animals in our care, but our guests, students, staff and animals in the wild. This accreditation is a testament to our Zoo’s longstanding commitment to excellence, and we are honored to be recognized by our peers at AZA for just over five decades.”

“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Philadelphia Zoo for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core. Philadelphia Zoo has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Accreditation Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.

The city of Philadelphia provided financial assistance to support the work involved in keeping the Zoo’s facilities up to accreditation standards. The AZA inspection committee noted that Philadelphia Zoo’s animal care staff are “experienced and enthusiastic” while showcasing “their passion, dedication and advancements in animal wellbeing.” The committee also noted that “animal areas were exceptionally clean [and] well maintained.”

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

The AZA has been the primary accrediting body for zoos and aquariums for over 40 years. U.S. agencies, such as OSHA and the USDA, consider AZA standards as the national standard, and they refer to AZA standards when evaluating institutions. The Commission reviews accreditation applications from the best zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in the world twice a year.

As a result of these accreditation decisions, there are now 254 AZA-accredited facilities throughout the United States and 12 other countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit www dot aza dot org/current-accreditation-list.