The National Aviary receives prestigious accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Silver Spring, Md. (September 29, 2026) – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has announced that the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was once again granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Following a comprehensive evaluation, the Accreditation Commission determined that the facility has continued to meet AZA’s standards for animal well-being, care, and management.
“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at the National Aviary 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. The National Aviary has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”
“The National Aviary is proud to have maintained continuous AZA accreditation since 1984.” said Cheryl Tracy, Executive Director of the National Aviary. “This significant achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of our entire team, whose commitment ensures excellence across every aspect of our organization.”
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 wellbeing; 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.
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.
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About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is setting the global gold standard, accrediting 255 of the top zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in 12 countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a wonderful experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.
About the National Aviary
The one and only National Aviary is located on Pittsburgh’s historic Northside since its founding in 1952. The National Aviary is home to more than 500 birds representing more than 150 diverse species from around the world, many of them threatened or endangered in the wild. The National Aviary’s large walk-through habitats create an intimate, up-close interaction between visitors and free-flying birds, including opportunities to hand-feed and to meet many species rarely found in zoos. For tickets and more information visit aviary.org.