SAINT LOUIS, Mo. (Sept. 18, 2025) – The Saint Louis Zoo is proud to announce it was granted accreditation this week by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA.)
AZA accreditation is considered the gold standard for zoological excellence. Fewer than ten percent of the 2,800 wildlife exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are AZA accredited. The Saint Louis Zoo has been among the prestigious group of AZA members since 1977.
The Zoo underwent a thorough review to ensure it continues to meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education, safety and more. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.
At this year’s inspection, evaluators were especially impressed with the Zoo’s operations across its three campuses: Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park in development in north St. Louis County and Saint Louis Zoo Sears Lehmann Jr. Wildlife Reserve, an American red wolf reserve in Franklin County that is closed to the public.
The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and welfare; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and more. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied. Any facility that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.
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 254 of the top zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in 13 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 great 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.
About Saint Louis Zoo
Home to 12,000 animals, representing nearly 450 species, the Saint Louis Zoo is recognized worldwide for its innovative approaches to animal care and management, wildlife conservation, research and education. One of the few free zoos in the nation, the Saint Louis Zoo is the most visited attraction in the region. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Saint Louis Zoo is part of an elite group of institutions that meet the highest standards in animal care as well as provide fun, safe and educational family experiences. The Saint Louis Zoo and other AZA-accredited institutions collectively dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation and education programs. For more information, visit stlzoo.org.