The Florida Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Inc. (FAZA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to high ethical standards in the management of professional zoos, aquariums, and animal parks in Florida. FAZA’s voting members are required to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the organization which sets the highest standards in the world for animal care, education, conservation, and science. Less than 10% of federally licensed US wildlife exhibitors have met these rigorous standards.
FAZA is also a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. IUCN is a global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. FAZA works with IUCN to promote conservation and sustainable use of wildlife in Florida and around the world.
Some of the specific ways that FAZA works to advance animal welfare, environmental awareness, and global conservation include:
- Providing leadership and support for AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in Florida
- Promoting conservation education and outreach programs
- Supporting research on wildlife conservation
- Advocating for sound wildlife policy at the state and federal levels
- Collaborating with other organizations on conservation initiatives
FAZA is committed to making a difference for animals and their habitats. By working with AZA and IUCN, FAZA is helping to ensure a future where all species can thrive.
Here are some additional details about FAZA’s relationship with IUCN:
- FAZA is a member of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission (SSC), which is the world’s largest network of scientists and experts working to conserve species.
- FAZA partners with IUCN on a number of conservation projects, including the Florida Panther Recovery Program and the Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network.
- FAZA staff and volunteers participate in IUCN meetings and conferences, and they share information and best practices with other IUCN members.
Through its membership in IUCN, FAZA is able to leverage the expertise and resources of a global network of conservation organizations to make a greater impact on the world.
