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ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS (AZA)


disease transmission between domestic and wild animals and test bird-friendly options for zoo and aquarium construction. Research carried out with accredited zoos and aquariums in sensory biology, physiology, nutrition and reproduction and cognition has increased our understanding of the species being investigated and pro- vides results which may be of benefit to the health of animals in wild populations. For conservation activities to achieve their intended outcomes, accredited facilities rely on research and science.


COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION AZA cooperates with conservation partners and AZA members work collaboratively within committees, animal programmes and scientific advisory groups to guaran- tee that sophisticated conservation and research programmes are successful. An abundance of educational informa-


tion, planning tools and guides, databases, funding sources, awards and specialised


conservation projects have also been created to advance animal conservation initiatives and strategies, such as AZA’s Green Guide and Guidelines to Develop an Institutional Conservation Strategic Plan, as well as AZA’s Smart Source – a nation- al purchasing cooperative exclusively for AZA members – which includes a focus on green initiatives and sustainability. Two of AZA’s most prestigious pro- grammes to support members’ conserva- tion initiatives are its annual awards and the Conservation Grants Fund (CGF). Since its inception in 1991, the CGF has provid- ed over US$5.7m (£3.4m, €4.2m) to more than 320 conservation projects in over 55 countries. More than 70 AZA-accredited and certified related facilities, in addition to university and non-profit agencies, have received CGF funding. Grants are awarded in six categories: animal health, animal welfare, conservation education, field con- servation, management and/or breeding, and research. The two-tier review process


includes subject matter experts and makes it extremely competitive. Support for the CGF comes almost exclusively from AZA members. Since 1999, the Walt Disney World Company and the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund have provid- ed significant financial support, increasing the funds available for AZA members’ conservation projects by over one third. Whether saving species on the brink of extinction or ensuring species never reach that state, visitors can trust that AZA-ac- credited facilities are working hard to protect wildlife and habitats for the future.


EDUCATION


AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums also provide the public with essential con- nections to the natural world by serving as centres for conservation involvement. More than 50 million visitors to AZA-ac- credited facilities are children, making them essential to science and environ- mental education. AZA-accredited facilities


AZA-accredited facilities are key to education


Programmes for students and teachers: n 12 million students (pre-K through Grade 12: 4-18 years old) visit AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums each year as part of a school field trip n 11 million students partic- ipate in formal on-site educa- tion programmes each year


n 4 million students partici- pate in formal off-site educa- tion programmes every year n AZA–accredited zoos and aquariums conduct training for 40,000 teachers annually


Community resources for diverse audiences: n 100% of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have an educator on staff and a well-developed edu- cation programme geared toward the needs of their communities n 82% of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums offer programmes


102 Attractions Handbook 2014-2015


for underserved audiences including individuals with special needs, minorities, and the economically disadvantaged n 94% of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums offer early childhood (pre-K) programming n 87% of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums involve students/ teens in volunteer programmes n One third of AZA-accredit- ed zoos and aquariums offer after-school programming n 15% of AZA member in- stitutions conduct distance learning programmes


Working with Federal, State and Local Education Agencies: n 25% of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums collaborate on in- itiatives/projects with their State or US Department of Education n AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums with school pro- grammes and materials aligned with their State’s education standards (97%) and Local education standards (86%) n 27% of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have been involved in their State’s En- vironmental Literacy Plan


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