Little Rock Zoo, Arkansas – The Little Rock Zoo is marking a significant milestone after earning formal recognition for 25 consecutive years of accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, commonly known as AZA.
The zoo has received the AZA Accreditation Quarter Century Award, an honor that recognizes institutions that have maintained AZA accreditation for a full quarter century. For Little Rock Zoo, the award reflects not only its long history of accreditation but also years of work involving animal care, conservation, education and day-to-day zoo operations.
AZA accreditation is considered an important standard for zoos and aquariums. Accredited institutions must go through a detailed evaluation covering a wide range of areas. Those include animal welfare and care, veterinary services, conservation efforts, education programs, guest services, safety, governance, staffing and financial stability.
Maintaining accreditation over 25 years therefore requires an institution to keep meeting those standards while continuing to adapt and improve. The Little Rock Zoo’s quarter-century record represents a sustained effort involving employees, volunteers, community partners and supporters.
“This recognition is both an honor and a reflection of the remarkable people who have invested their talent, passion and dedication in the Little Rock Zoo over the past 25 years,” said Susan Altrui, Zoo Director. “A quarter century of AZA accreditation tells a much larger story—one of an institution committed to continually learning, improving and evolving in its responsibility to animals, to conservation and to the people we serve.”
The milestone was also recognized by leaders of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Little Rock Zoo received a letter of congratulations from Chris Dold, current Chair of the AZA Board of Directors, and Craig Piper, current Chair of the AZA Accreditation Commission.
The recognition comes as the zoo works on the next stage of its development. Little Rock Zoo is continuing to advance Project Zoo Wildly Reimagined, an effort that looks toward the future while building on the institution’s history and professional experience.
The project comes at a time when modern zoos are placing increasing emphasis on conservation, education and helping people develop connections with wildlife. For Little Rock Zoo, its 25 years of AZA accreditation provide a foundation as it moves forward with those goals.
The quarter-century award also reflects the changing nature of zoo operations. Maintaining high standards is not something that can be achieved once and then set aside. Animal care programs, veterinary practices, conservation work, educational efforts and safety procedures all require continued attention.
That long-term commitment is a central part of what the Little Rock Zoo is celebrating with the award. The achievement belongs not only to the current team, but also to the many people who have worked at or supported the zoo during the past 25 years.
“Twenty-five years of AZA accreditation is something the entire Little Rock community can take pride in,” said Altrui. “It represents a legacy of excellence, but it is also a challenge to the next generation—to take what has been built here and make it even better.”
The award will remain as a permanent reminder of the zoo’s 25-year accreditation history. At the same time, zoo officials are looking beyond the milestone and toward the work still ahead.
The Little Rock Zoo’s next chapter will include continued efforts in animal care and conservation, along with education and community engagement. Project Zoo Wildly Reimagined is part of that forward-looking approach, connecting the zoo’s established history with its plans for the future.
The AZA Accreditation Quarter Century Award ultimately marks both an achievement and a continuing responsibility. After 25 years of meeting demanding accreditation standards, the Little Rock Zoo is using the milestone to recognize its past while preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
