For nearly 40 years, Potter Park Zoo has proudly maintained accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This distinction reflects our ongoing commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare, conservation, education, professional excellence, and community engagement. AZA accreditation guides and strengthens how we care for animals, support staff, and contribute to global wildlife conservation.
AZA accreditation is widely regarded as the gold standard in the zoo and aquarium field. Accredited institutions must meet rigorous, science-based standards in all aspects of operation, including animal care and welfare, veterinary care, conservation initiatives, education, public safety, and training. Facilities undergo a comprehensive review process and regular on-site evaluations to ensure these standards are consistently met. This process ensures continuous improvement and accountability across the zoo community.
The AZA Annual Conference brings together zoo and aquarium professionals from around the world to share knowledge, collaborate, and advance animal care, conservation, and education.
One impactful benefit of AZA accreditation is the professional development opportunities it provides to staff. Accredited institutions and their teams can participate in educational experiences, including the AZA Annual Conference and mid-year conferences, which bring together professionals from across the country and around the world. At these conferences, staff can attend sessions, workshops, and panel discussions focused on best practices in animal care, conservation, education, guest engagement, leadership, and more. In addition to conferences, staff also have access to topic-specific webinars and AZA courses that allow for ongoing learning throughout the year. These sessions provide attendees with new ideas, skills, and resources to apply in their work at Potter Park Zoo.
Networking is another essential benefit of AZA accreditation. Being part of the AZA community connects our staff with professionals at other accredited facilities who are facing similar challenges and asking similar questions about animal care and operations. Through regional meetings, committees, working groups, and informal collaboration, staff gain real-world insights that strengthen our zoo’s programs.
Elombe arrived at the zoo in winter 2023 and was officially welcomed by the public in summer 2024.
A powerful example of this collaborative network at work was our preparation for Elombe, the okapi. While Potter Park Zoo has experience with many hoofstock species, Elombe is the first okapi in our history. Thanks to our AZA network, we were able to send our keepers to other accredited facilities to shadow their okapi care teams. This hands-on learning helped us refine husbandry practices, enrichment plans, and daily care protocols. As a result, we were able to welcome Elombe with confidence and provide an exemplary level of care.
Beyond professional growth and animal care, AZA accreditation enhances conservation impact. Accredited institutions collaborate on Species Survival Plans, field research, and habitat protection projects that make a global difference for endangered species. By sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, AZA members amplify their ability to protect wildlife for future generations.
For Potter Park Zoo, AZA accreditation reflects our dedication to excellence, lifelong learning, and meaningful collaboration. It supports our staff through ongoing professional development, connects us to a world of peers, and ensures that every decision we make is guided by science, compassion, and a shared commitment to conservation. After almost four decades years of accreditation, we look forward to advancing this work for many years to come.
