Publication Date: 10/8/2026

Contact: Margie Muto
Director of Marketing, Wheaton Park District
630.510.4984 | [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Silver Spring, Md. (September 29, 2026) – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has announced that Cosley Zoo was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Following a comprehensive evaluation, the Accreditation Commission determined that the facility meets AZA’s standards for animal well-being, care and management.

“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Cosley Zoo for attaining the global gold standard in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and well-being at their core. Cosley Zoo has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and well-being; veterinary care; staff training; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Accreditation Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

“We are especially happy to share that Cosley Zoo recently received renewed accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This is an important recognition of our commitment to animal care, conservation, education, and professional excellence,” said Greg Bockheim, Zoo Director.

After this Fall 2026 AZA accreditation cycle, there are 241 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facility members in 12 countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.

For up to date information about Cosley Zoo:
Website: https://cosleyzoo.org
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cosleyzoo.org
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cosleyzoo.org