Accreditation by bodies like EAZA and AZA distinguishes zoos meeting welfare and conservation standards from unaccredited facilities. Understanding what accreditation requires helps visitors and donors.
Zoo accreditation by EAZA, AZA, or equivalent bodies provides meaningful assurance of welfare and conservation standards, but it is important to understand what accreditation does and does not guarantee. Accredited zoos must meet minimum standards for animal care, veterinary services, record-keeping, staff training, and conservation participation. Accreditation requires on-site inspection and renewal. However, standards vary between accrediting bodies, and some welfare advocates argue that minimum standards should be higher. The key distinction is between accredited institutions — which must demonstrate genuine commitment to welfare and conservation — and the vast majority of unaccredited animal facilities that use the zoo label without equivalent accountability.