Educator Resources
Studies have shown that AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums enhance the public’s understanding of wildlife and the need to conserve the places animals live. Visitors believe zoos and aquariums play an important role in conservation education and that that they experience a stronger connection to nature, are prompted to reconsider their role in environmental problems and conservation action, and see themselves as part of the solution as a result of their visit.
AZA and its Conservation Education Committee provides information, protocols, and tools to help educators manage program animal presentations, deliver consistent conservation messages, and provide thematic educational activities as a means to enhance their education program planning and raise public awareness about, and actions towards, conservation concerns.
Conservation Education Standards and Policies
Several Accreditation Standards and Board-Approved Policies have been established to ensure AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums include conservation education as a central tenet in their mission, maintain an education plan that matches current industry standards, and regularly evaluates their education programs. Read more about Conservation Education Standards and Policies.
Program Animal Presentations
AZA recognizes many benefits for public education and, ultimately, for conservation that program animal presentations provide. With these benefits, program animal presentations require a host of responsibilities, that are needed to ensure the welfare, health and safety of the animal, handlers, and public, and stress the importance of ensuring conservation take-home messages are received by the audience. Read more about Program Animal Presentations.
Conservation Messages
A variety of conservation-related messages are provided about general environmental topics, as well as about elephants. These messages are designed to provide a consistent voice between AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in their efforts to raise awareness about the topics. Read more about Conservation Messages.
Thematic Education Activities
Thematic educational activities have been developed that focus on topics of conservation concern. These resources provide ideas and inspiration for educators to incorporate into their education programs, summer camps, or specialized annual conservation initiatives, raise awareness of conservation issues and engage the public in conservation efforts. Read more about Thematic Education Activities.