AZA Accredited

The Dakota Zoo is proud to be an AZA Accredited Zoo. 

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.

 

In AZA, "accreditation" means official recognition and approval of a zoo or aquarium by a group of experts. These experts, called the AZA Accreditation Commission, carefully examine each zoo or aquarium that applies for AZA membership.

Look for the Logo

Fewer than 10% of the approximately 2,400 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture are AZA accredited! The AZA logo is the easiest, most reliable way for people to choose zoos and aquariums that meet our rigorous accreditation standards.

So be sure to look for the "Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums" logo on web sites, advertisements, and at the gate!  

For more information about AZA Accreditation, please visit the AZA website www.aza.org/what-is-accreditation/

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