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Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium: A New Beacon in Global Conservation

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has reached significant milestones by being welcomed as the newest member of the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA). This prestigious organization, which encompasses a global network of zoos and aquariums, is dedicated to the care of animals and the protection of their habitats around the globe. With this acceptance, the Pittsburgh Zoo joins a select group of institutions committed to wildlife conservation and education.

Dr. Jeremy Goodman, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, expressed immense pride in the institution’s new membership, stating, "This verifies that the Zoo is uniquely positioned to be a world leader in the zoo profession and that we hold ourselves to the highest standards." He also highlighted that membership across multiple esteemed accrediting organizations, including the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), strengthens the Zoo's ability to unite various zoological entities in their conservation efforts.

WAZA CEO Dr. Martín Zordan expressed enthusiasm for the Zoo's commitment to sustainability and innovative development plans. He stated, "We are pleased to welcome the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to the WAZA community. The Zoo’s innovative masterplan and dedication to sustainability strengthen the collective efforts of our network to advance conservation and protect biodiversity.”

Since its inception in 1935, WAZA has endeavored to enhance animal welfare standards, promote environmental education, and support global conservation efforts. The organization cultivates collaboration among leading zoos, aquariums, and wildlife experts, providing essential resources for the management and care of species within human captivity.

The membership count of nearly 400 institutions from around the globe continues to rise, strengthening WAZA’s reach and effectiveness in tackling critical issues such as illegal wildlife trade, coral reef restoration, marine pollution, and climate change initiatives.

Dr. Goodman emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, "I am so proud of Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium staff for getting our Zoo to this point. The work is far from done and we must continue to push forward to keep the momentum going and get better every day.” This forward-thinking attitude exemplifies the Zoo's vision of becoming a leader in not just animal care, but also in sustainable practices that have a long-term impact on conservation.

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is distinctive, serving as one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the United States. It oversees more than 8,000 animals representing over 600 species, showcasing their crucial work in research and conservation on a global scale.

This recent advancement in joining WAZA reflects the Zoo's broader commitment to connectivity between people and wildlife, aiming to inspire communities to engage in conservation efforts for the future. The Pittsburgh Zoo was awarded a stellar 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is certified by American Humane. These accolades are reflective of the Zoo's dedication to high standards in animal welfare and public engagement.

In addition to its numerous accolades, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium actively participates in a variety of conservation projects, which operate on all seven continents and five oceans. With a mission to unite local and global efforts, the Zoo is poised to contribute significantly to wildlife protection and environmental improvement through its new role within WAZA.

For more information about the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and its global conservation initiatives, visit its official website at pittsburghzoo.org.