AZA & Tiger Creek: A Partnership to Excellent Animal Care
- Naomi M
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The AZA, or The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. The AZA is an independent accrediting organization and represents hundreds of facilities across the nation. Not only does the AZA set the standard for animal care and welfare, they also donate millions of dollars annually to support research, conservation, and educational programs.
Facilities accredited by the AZA have made the commitment to meet rigorous and evolving standards. The zoo, aquarium, or sanctuary applying for accreditation undergoes a thorough review and a multi-day, on-site inspection by experts to ensure they are meeting those standards and can provide proper documentation of all practices and procedures. Some of the areas evaluated include living environments, social groupings, health, nutrition, enrichment, education programs, and more.
The AZA has created several conservation and science programs in which accredited facilities actively participate. One of these is the SSP (Species Survival Plan), a program designed to support sustainable breeding of select species to ensure long-term genetic health and diversity. While Tiger Creek does not breed animals, we can still support SSPs by providing expert care for individuals that are non-releasable or retired from breeding programs, helping manage population needs without increasing numbers.
Another AZA initiative is SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction). This program focuses efforts on species at risk for extinction, creating collaborative action plans, raising public awareness, and joining forces with field experts and AZA-accredited facilities. Additionally, Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs) evaluate the conservation needs of entire groups of animals and provide AZA facilities with management and research recommendations, both in and ex situ (outside of the wild and in the wild).
These programs are just a few examples of how AZA goes beyond individual facilities to coordinate national and even global conservation strategies. They are collaborative by design, and that’s where Tiger Creek fits in.
Why AZA Matters for a Non-Breeding Sanctuary Like Tiger Creek
Joining the AZA opens many doors for Tiger Creek beyond breeding programs. We will be joining a network of the most respected animal care facilities in the world. This comes with direct benefits:
Networking and Professional Development: Our team gains access to professional forums, AZA-led workshops, and working groups. These connections help keep our animal care practices on the leading edge and allow us to share insights from a sanctuary context.
Participation in Species Management and Research: We can support Population Management Plans (PMPs) by housing animals not currently part of breeding efforts, while contributing to behavioral and wellness data that help guide best practices across the country. Sanctuary animals like our tigers and lemurs provide valuable information about aging, behavior, and long-term care that other facilities may not be equipped to observe.
Collaborative Conservation and Scientific Study: AZA membership allows us to participate in or host non-invasive research that improves animal welfare and informs both captive and wild conservation efforts. Our animals’ participation in studies related to cognition, stress response, or enrichment outcomes supports wider knowledge for their species.
Policy and Influence: As an AZA-accredited sanctuary, Tiger Creek would gain a voice in discussions that shape animal care standards, rescue responses, and wildlife policy. Accreditation gives us a seat at the table with other experts and decision-makers.
Increased Credibility and Funding Opportunities: AZA is the gold standard in the public’s eye. Accreditation gives our supporters confidence that their donations are going toward a facility that operates with the highest ethics and professionalism. It also opens the door to funding and grant programs that are only available to AZA institutions.
Rosie the tiger
In short, accreditation reinforces what we already do well, and helps us do it even better. And it makes our contributions to the future of wildlife more impactful.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has made it possible to connect hundreds of facilities and create a collective effort to save species. The AZA has set standards of what optimal care and welfare looks like for animals in captivity, and meeting their standards means that a facility has gone above and beyond in all areas of animal care.
Tiger Creek has always prioritized excellent animal care, and the next step in furthering our commitment to the animals who call our sanctuary home is joining the AZA community. Gaining AZA accreditation is a display of our dedication to best practices, professional accountability, and collaboration on conservation efforts that reach far beyond our fences. Tiger Creek is proud to say that we are on the track to AZA accreditation, and we are excited for what is to come.
