Modern zoos are far more than the collections you might remember from childhood. Today’s accredited zoos, aquariums, and sanctuaries focus on:
Animal welfare: Ensuring animals are healthy, comfortable, and able to display natural behaviors.
Conservation: Supporting endangered species through breeding and reintroduction programs.
Education: Teaching millions about wildlife and environmental stewardship.
Research: Advancing science in nutrition, veterinary care, and behavior.
By supporting reputable zoos, you contribute to better care for both captive and wild animals. Read on to learn more
Wali, a five month old Sumatran orangutan, and his mother Sekali resting in their habitat at the Toronto Zoo. Sumatran orangutans are a critically endangered species.
What Types of Animal Facilities Exist?
Not all zoos are the same. Facilities range in focus, mission, and the types of animals they house:
Zoos & Aquariums: Conservation and education-focused.
Safari Parks: Large outdoor habitats for public viewing and animal care.
Sanctuaries & Rehabilitation Centers: Provide refuge for rescued or injured animals.
Wildlife Rescues: Temporary care before release into the wild.
Example: The California Wolf Center is one of only 60 facilities in the world giving refuge to the critically endangered Mexican Gray Wolf like Durango and his brother Thor
What Does Accreditation Mean?
Accreditation ensures accountability where laws may be insufficient. Key organizations include:
AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) – North America
TAGs (Taxon Advisory Groups) guide sustainable population management.
Sanctuaries often house permanent residents rescued from neglect or illegal ownership.
Example: Tamur, a male Amur Leopard, one of the most critically endangered species of cat on Earth, is residing at Santa Barbara Zoo in hopes of fathering a new generation
How Zoos Ensure Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is measured by mental, emotional, and physical health over time. Accredited zoos:
Promote species-typical behaviors and cognitive enrichment.
Provide safe, comfortable, and naturalistic habitats.
Monitor ongoing mental and physical health with veterinary teams.
Animal Enrichment: Five main categories stimulate natural behaviors:
Sensory
Environmental
Forage/Feeding
Occupational
Play
Example: Brown bears practice their skills at getting favored foods out of difficult situations by trying to get some fruit out of a heavy duty barrel with small holes cut in the sides
Health, Nutrition, and Veterinary Care
Zoos often feature full-scale veterinary hospitals for examinations, vaccinations, and specialized care.
Nutrition programs are science-based, with research guiding diets and supplements.
Animals may receive physical therapy or treatments like chemotherapy if needed.
Education & Conservation Programs
Zoos educate millions about wildlife:
AZA-accredited institutions teach 180 million visitors, including 51 million students.
Programs cover STEM, local ecosystems, and global conservation.
Exhibits are designed by biogeography, grouping species by natural habitats.
Example: Orana Wildlife Park breeds kiwi for conservation and connects over 20 local species using natural habitat "corridors".
