San Francisco Zoo Granted AZA Accreditation, Marking 25 Years of Accredited Excellence

San Francisco Zoo and Gardens

The San Francisco Zoo and Gardens is excited to announce it has received accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. It marks the 25th consecutive year the Zoo has been recognized as an AZA accredited facility, which is only awarded to the top zoos and aquariums in the world by experts in the field. The official approval was granted during an AZA mid-year meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on Saturday, March 19.

“I’m very proud of our staff at the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens for helping us achieving this remarkable milestone,” said Tanya M. Peterson, President of the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens. “We all know what a special place our Zoo is because it allows people to care for and connect with wildlife, which then inspires conservation action, but AZA accreditation is meaningful because it confirms to the public our dedication and commitment to excellence.”

To be accredited, the Zoo underwent a thorough review to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.

“The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredits only those zoos and aquariums that meet the highest standards,” said AZA Interim President and CEO Kris Vehrs. “By achieving AZA-accreditation, San Francisco Zoo and Gardens demonstrates that it is dedicated to protecting species and educating its visitors about the natural world.”

The accreditation process takes nearly a year and includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.

San Francisco Zoo

Established in 1929, the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens connect people to wildlife, inspire care for nature and advance conservation action. An urban oasis, the Zoo and Gardens are home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing more than 250 species as well as seven distinct gardens full of native and unusual plants. Located at the edge of the Pacific Ocean where the Great Highway meets Sloat Boulevard, the Zoo is open 365 days a year from 10 am to 4 pm (winter hours) and is accessible by San Francisco MUNI "L" Taraval Line.