Shedd Aquarium Reaffirms World-Class Standards Through Prestigious Continued Accreditation

CHICAGO – Shedd Aquarium once again received the “gold standard” of zoological operations through its recent continued accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) following a regularly-scheduled inspection. Shedd has maintained its status as an AZA-accredited facility since it first sought accreditation in 1978 – an accomplishment that speaks to a decades-long commitment to excellence in animal care and wellbeing, conservation, guest experience and public education.

Shedd’s accreditation, which must be renewed every five years, sets the aquarium apart, as fewer than 10 percent of animal exhibitors in the country licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture achieve the rigorous criterion that must be met to become AZA-accredited. This is due, in part, to the fact that these standards are constantly being evaluated and augmented by the latest available science and best practices.

“We take immense pride that Shedd Aquarium not only met, but demonstratively surpassed, the world-class standards set by AZA accreditation,” said Dr. Bridget Coughlin, President and CEO at Shedd Aquarium. “This achievement is more than just a milestone, it’s a seal of approval for people who are craving nature experiences that they can both enjoy and feel good about supporting. Shedd is buoyed by this outstanding recognition from our peers and leaders in this field.”

In early January, a cohort of trained independent inspectors – made up of zoo professionals from other accredited facilities – spent several days at Shedd speaking to staff and partners, touring all parts of the building, sitting in on programs and observing animal care efforts for various species from bowmouth guitarfish to rescued sea otters and everything in between. Inspectors also read through detailed reports from Shedd on the impacts of community outreach investments, the success of financial access programs, information security trainings and much more.

Detailed findings from the visit were shared with AZA’s Accreditation Committee, which interviewed top aquarium leaders in a formal hearing, after which Shedd’s continued accreditation was fully granted.

“Congratulations to the staff at Shedd Aquarium for achieving the world’s ‘gold standard’ for the zoological and aquarium profession,” said Dan Ashe, President and Chief Executive Officer at AZA. “AZA’s standards continually evolve to reflect best practices in animal care and wellbeing, veterinary care, conservation, scientific advancement, and safety and security, among other things. With this assurance, the public can trust that the animals at Shedd receive the highest level of care and wellbeing and there is a deep commitment to their conservation in the wild.”

Shedd’s continued accreditation is especially significant as the aquarium is currently navigating significant construction as part of Shedd’s Experience Evolution. The transformation of Shedd’s historic home is part of a bold strategic plan – a Centennial Commitment – that will reinvigorate the aquarium’s experience and mission ahead of Shedd’s centennial year in 2030.  

VISUALS: Find high-resolution broadcast quality video of Shedd here:

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Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Sam Cejtin