AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are leaders in the protection of endangered species. Twenty years ago, AZA established the Species Survival Plan Program™ (SSP), which is a long-term plan involving conservation breeding, habitat preservation, public education, field conservation, and supportive research to ensure survival for many of the planet's threatened and endangered species. Currently, AZA members are involved in 319 SSPs working on behalf of 590 species.

Reintroduction programs for animals raised or rehabilitated in AZA-accredited zoos or aquariums are powerful mechanisms used for stabilizing, re-establishing, or increasing in situ animal populations. Read more

AZA has developed many mechanisms to encourage and facilitate this effort, including the development of a Green Guide, Green Tool Box, Green Award and Affinity Purchasing Partnerships. Read more

AZA develops valuable conservation partnerships to increase awareness of animal related conservation issues. Extensive effort is expended to save species from imminent extinction by determining the best ex situ ways to care for, reproduce, reintroduce and re-establish in situ populations.

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are involved in conservation breeding, habitat preservation, public education, field conservation and supportive research to ensure survival for many threatened or endangered species. Read more

Since 1991, the AZA Conservation Grants Fund (CGF; previously known as the Conservation Endowment Fund or CEF) has provided over $6 million to almost 350 conservation projects worldwide. Read more

AZA believes that a commitment to scientific research is a trademark of the modern zoological park and aquarium. Many AZA-accredited institutions incorporate superior behavioral training programs into their routine schedules. Read more

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums serve as conservation centers that are concerned about ecosystem health. They take responsibility for species survival, and make substantial contributions to research, conservation and education. Read more