Cities Without AZA Accredited Zoos

I make no secret that I am obsessed with zoos. With that comes constantly being on the lookout for my next stop. To find the best options, I often go to the AZA or Association of Zoos and Aquariums website to find the next zoo for a trip. For those who don’t know who or what the AZA is a non-profit organization that is regarded as the top accrediting body for zoos and aquariums in the US and 11 other countries. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are to meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs. Recently, however, I noticed something while going through the map they have on the website. Several major metropolitan areas are without an AZA zoo. Whether they follow a different standard, normally that of a much lesser degree, or they do not have a zoo at all. So I decided to make a list of the cities that either one, don’t have a zoo, or have a zoo but said zoo is not AZA accredited. Now most of the non-AZA zoos are accredited by the ZAA or Zoological Association of America, which is a well-regarded group that doesn’t hold zoos to the same standard, and the zoos tend to be step below the AZA. Less roadside attraction, but not of the same standards those of say Kansas City or other zoos of that ilk. So, without further ado, the Cities Without AZA Accredited Zoos but with ZAA Zoos.

Austin, Texas, the Austin Zoo. When the branding for the zoo says enjoy the rustic charm you know something is up. With smaller enclosures, it’s clear that they are not AZA material. Now I believe with all things that all major cities deserve an AZA zoo, Austin being high up on that list. The Austin Zoo can become AZA-accredited if the funding is raised for the zoo to become accredited.  

Montgomery, Alabama, the Montgomery Zoo. A zoo that has flown under my radar, and it hasn't been from a lack of the zoo trying to be the big boy in the state. The issue, much like Austin seems to be funding, and with how the local economy has turned in Alabama, it will be more of a struggle to improve the zoo without cutting out some fan favorites. It does seem, however, that Montgomery is on the road to AZA accreditation.  

Richmond, Virginia, the Metro Richmond Zoo. By far, the zoo that seems to be the closest to AZA accreditation out of everyone here. The MRZ is a standard bearer in the breeding of Cheetahs and African Penguins. With 167 and 316 being born in Richmond. In addition, they have had many other success stories from Snow Leopards to Pygmy Hippos. Working with the AZA in the breeding of many of the animals. It seems like the only thing holding the MRZ back is funding, even though they have made major strides in that regard. I expect the AZA to announce that the Metro Richmond Zoo as it’s newest member.  

Those are the only ones who are ZAA accredited. The ones without any accreditation are a few, which is very sad when delving into why.  

El Paso, Texas, El Paso Zoo. Losing its accreditation in 2025 due to what the AZA called facility and aesthetic concerns, due to deferred maintenance and aging infrastructure. The El Paso Zoo has appealed the ruling and is working on bringing the zoo back up to AZA standards. So don’t expect El Paso to be without its accreditation for long.  

Jackson, Mississippi, the Jackson Zoo. The AZA has pulled its accreditation twice in the last ten years from the Jackson Zoo. Once in 2016 and once this year in March. The March decision comes due to worries about funding for the zoo. Unfortunately, this is not the first time these issues have arisen for the zoo. As the same thing happened in 2016 when the zoo lost its accreditation, it was self-imposed by the zoo to focus on funding. Out of all the zoos that have been mentioned so far, Jackson seems to be the one that is on the verge of not only not being accredited but also no longer being open.  

Next week, I will talk about the metros without zoos.