Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Policies Approved by the AZA Board

Acquisition / Disposition Policy
Approved 2000
The AZA Acquisition / Disposition Policy was created to help (1) guide and support member institutions in their animal acquisition and disposition decisions, and (2) ensure that all additions and removals are compatible with the Association's stated commitment to "save and protect the wonders of the living natural world."

Animal Contact Policy
Approved 1997
Recommendations for procedures to minimize the transfer of disease between non-humans and humans; and safety concerns related to handler's attire and behavior.

Chronic Wasting Disease Policy
Approved 2004
In response to the concern for introduction of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), and the management and regulatory implications for zoological facilities, a set of guidelines have been drafted for AZA-accredited institutions by an ad hoc working group of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarian's Infectious Disease Committee in conjunction with the AZA Animal Health Committee.

Code of Professional Ethics
Approved 1976
One of the obligations of membership in AZA is maintaining high standards of ethical conduct. Members are expected to have the courage and foresight to live up to their responsibilities within principles of professionalism.

Guidelines For Reintroduction of Animals Born or Held in Captivity
Approved 1992
Reintroduction must be regarded as science, with surveys of the pertinent literature, interdisciplinary participation, formulation of testable hypotheses and goals, thorough documentation, rapid publication of results, and review of the program by independent referees.

Non-Native Invasive Species Policy
Approved 2003
Many species, including many of the species managed by AZA's Species Survival Plan Program, have been driven to the brink of extinction by exotic predators or competitors, or by other indirect effects of biological invasions. AZA recognizes the many threats faced by native wildlife and ecosystems as the result of introduced organisms.

Presentation of Animals
Approved 2008
AZA's position is that animals should always be presented in ways that inspire respect for wildlife and nature.

Program Animal Policy
Updated 2008
The use of any program animal comes with a host of responsibilities including the welfare (i.e., physiological and psychological well-being) of the animals used, the safety of the animal handlers and public, and accountability for the take-home messages received by the audience.

SSP: Full Participation in the Species Survival Plan® Partnership and Process
Approved 2000
All AZA-accredited institutions and related facilities must be fully committed to the goals and cooperative spirit of the Species Survival Plan partnership.

SSP: Non-member Species Survival Plan Program Participation®
The Non-Member SSP Approval program is for those facilities that benefit population management for the SSP program and that hold wildlife, but do not meet the definition of a zoological park or aquarium.

Standards for Elephant Management and Care (in PDF)
Adopted 2001; Updated 2003
These standards have been developed to guide institutions that are planning and improving their elephant programs and also those that are considering the AZA accreditation process and non-member Species Survival Program participant evaluation. [more information about elephants]