Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Receives Prestigious AZA Accreditation, Continuing Over Four Decades of Excellence

24 SEPTEMBER 2024 (Calgary, AB) – The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is proud to announce that it has once again received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) independent Accreditation Commission, a prestigious honour that highlights the zoo’s long-standing commitment to excellence. This distinction was granted during the AZA 2024 Annual Conference, held last week in Calgary, Alberta. Regarded as the “gold standard” in zoological accreditation, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has maintained its AZA accreditation since 1978.

“We are honoured to receive AZA accreditation, a testament to the hard work, expertise, and passion of our entire team,” said Jamie Dorgan, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “This recognition underscores our deep commitment to enhancing the lives of the animals in our care, while providing safe, educational experiences for visitors, and inspiring our community to join us in protecting wildlife and wild places.”

The rigorous AZA accreditation process evaluates all aspects of a zoo’s operations—from animal care, conservation, and environmental stewardship to staff training and safety protocols—every five years. Achieving this milestone reflects the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s ongoing commitment to not just meeting but exceeding global standards of excellence in zoological care.

“Congratulations to the Wilder Institute and Calgary Zoo for meeting our rigorous standards and achieving Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and chief executive officer at AZA. “Earning accreditation is a mark of excellence and a testament to the Wilder Institute and Calgary Zoo’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of animal care and conservation. Your dedication not only enhances the lives of the animals you care for but also sets a precedent for excellence in the zoological community.”

As Canada’s most visited zoo, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo takes pride in upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and conservation excellence. This commitment aligns with its purpose: to act for wildlife, save species, and inspire people to join as they strive to create a future where people and wildlife thrive together.

For the full list of AZA-accredited facilities, visit aza.org/current-accreditation-list. For more information on the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and its conservation programs, visit CalgaryZoo.com.

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For more information contact:

Alison Archambault
Director, Brand & Engagement, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
403.232.7766 | 403.919.9482 | mediarelations@calgaryzoo.com

About the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo:

For more than 30 years, the internationally accredited Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been a leading authority in wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species to the wild and empowering communities to conserve natural resources to positively impact both the environment and local inhabitants.

While our work is global, our roots run deep in the Albertan conservation community. Sitting on 125 acres in the heart of the city, we operate one of the oldest charities in Alberta, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – a not-for-profit charitable wildlife conservation organization that works to fight the extinction of plants and animals worldwide. In addition to the zoo, we proudly operate the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility. Nestled on 330 acres in the Albertan prairies, the ABC is a stronghold for biodiversity and a temporary home to some of Canada’s most iconic species-at-risk.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is passionate about inspiring and educating generations of visitors about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Together, we will continue to be a force of nature for making the world a wilder place. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.

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 the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 12 other 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.