Silver Spring, Md. (September 29, 2026) – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has announced that the Saginaw Children’s Zoo was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Following a comprehensive evaluation, the Accreditation Commission determined that the facility meets AZA’s standards for animal wellbeing, care and management.
“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo for attaining the global gold standard in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core. The Saginaw Children’s Zoo has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”
AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Accreditation Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.
A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.
“We are incredibly proud to earn AZA accreditation and have the work of our entire team recognized through this rigorous process,” said Nancy Parker, Executive Director and President of the Saginaw Children’s Zoo. “Accreditation is much more than a designation—it reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care for the animals entrusted to us, meaningful experiences for children and families, and responsible stewardship of our Zoo. I am especially proud of our staff and management team, whose knowledge, dedication, and hard work made this achievement possible. We are honored to continue building on this standard of excellence for our community and for the future of the Saginaw Children’s Zoo.”
After this Fall 2026 AZA accreditation cycle, there are 241 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facility members in 12 countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.
About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is setting the global gold standard, accrediting 255 of the top zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in 12 countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a wonderful experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.
