Zoo Accreditation: What It Means for Animal Welfare

Zoo accreditation schemes provide meaningful welfare standards above minimum legal requirements, but only a minority of facilities globally meet these standards.

Key Facts

EAZA (European), AZA (American), and BIAZA (British) are the main zoo accreditation bodies
Only around 300 zoos globally are EAZA members out of tens of thousands operating worldwide
Accreditation requires welfare standards, conservation contributions, and professional training
Unaccredited roadside zoos, petting zoos, and wildlife parks vary enormously in welfare quality
The distinction between accredited and non-accredited facilities is not always visible to visitors

Welfare Considerations

Zoo accreditation provides assurance that member institutions meet minimum welfare, conservation, and professional standards. EAZA, AZA, and BIAZA membership requires ongoing welfare assessment and improvement, professional staff training, and genuine conservation programme participation. The vast majority of facilities worldwide are not accredited and range from adequate to deeply problematic. Visitor demand for accredited facilities drives the market for higher welfare; choosing carefully where to spend zoo admission fees has direct welfare impact.

What You Can Do

Verify EAZA, AZA, or BIAZA accreditation before visiting any zoo or wildlife attraction
Never visit unaccredited facilities making wildlife claims without verified welfare standards
Report welfare concerns at any facility to the relevant national authority
Support advocacy for mandatory minimum welfare standards for all animal-based tourist attractions
Encourage family and friends to apply the same accreditation check before zoo visits