Have you ever wondered what the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is? This organization plays a critical role in animal conservation and public education. From setting standards for ethical animal care to sponsoring research projects that help protect threatened species, AZA promotes responsible stewardship of wildlife from around the world. Let’s take a closer look at what this important organization does.
The Mission of the AZA
The mission of AZA is to inspire personal connections with wildlife and support conservation action through its members. To accomplish this mission, AZA focuses on education, science-based animal care, and connecting people to nature.
One way that AZA works to connect people to nature is through its accreditation program. This program sets high standards for zoos and aquariums across North America, ensuring that animals are provided with healthy habitats, proper nutrition, and excellent veterinary care. The accreditation process also requires that zoos engage in research projects related to species survival or conservation education initiatives designed to increase public awareness about wildlife protection issues. By holding its members to these high standards, AZA ensures that visitors have positive experiences when visiting accredited facilities.
In addition to its accreditation program, AZA sponsors numerous research projects focused on species preservation and habitat restoration both in North America and around the world. For example, one recent project studied the impact of sea level rise on coastal wetland habitats in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef region. By assisting with projects like these, AZA helps ensure that endangered species have a fighting chance at survival while educating visitors about important environmental issues they can help address as individuals or within their own communities.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is an important organization dedicated to preserving our planet’s biodiversity by providing ethical animal care standards for zoos and aquariums as well as supporting research projects aimed at protecting endangered species around the world. Through its efforts, AZA strives to connect people with nature so they can better understand their responsibility in helping preserve our planet’s precious resources for future generations. Whether you visit an accredited institution or contribute your time or money towards an AZA-sponsored project, there are many ways you can get involved in helping conserve our planet’s incredible diversity of life!
