What does AZA mean in UNCLASSIFIED

AZA member institutions include more than 230 accredited zoos and aquariums located across North America. These organizations are dedicated to providing excellent scientific programs, animal care, and educational opportunities for their guests.

AZA provides its members with support in various forms such as professional development resources, research data sharing initiatives, annual conferences, technology grants for projects related to conservation success stories about wildlife recovered from human-caused impacts or natural catastrophes. Additionally it provides guidance on best practices for animal care standards, education programs, and husbandry guidelines.

Yes! AZA is committed to collaborating with likeminded organizations whose goals align with those of the Association's mission. It has forged partnerships with numerous national and international partners such as World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA), American Alliance of Museums (AAM), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), The Ocean Project (TOP), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF), National Rescue & Rehabilitation Service Network(NRRSN), African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment (SWPE). These strategic alliances allow AZA to leverage the collective power of its partner networks towards positive outcomes related to conservation issues such as habitat loss/restoration efforts, species recovery initiatives etc.

Being a part of this network offers many tangible benefits including new collaborations through shared research efforts; access to exclusive resources; visibility at important events; direct engagement with field experts; marketing materials tailored for hosting events; discounts on products/services from select vendors etc.. In addition, active members receive annual recognition awards such as Lifetime Achievement Awards or Significant Achievement Awards.

All accredited zoos and aquariums have volunteer programs that offer opportunities ranging from providing educational assistance or delivering guest services experiences at visitor centers or acting as docents leading tours behind the scenes etc.. Most facilities require volunteers to submit a written application along with answering questions related to any prior experiences they may have had at other institutions as well as completing background checks as part of the screening process before getting accepted into their volunteer program.