WNC Nature Center Earns Sixth Consecutive Accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The AZA Accreditation Commission determined that the WNC Nature Center meets AZA’s rigorous standards for animal wellbeing, care and management, as well as education, conservation, veterinary care, safety, governance and other areas of zoo operations.

“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at the WNC Nature Center 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 wellbeing at their core. The WNC Nature Center has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”

The WNC Nature Center has been continuously accredited by AZA since 1999, making this its sixth accreditation. Fewer than 10 percent of zoos and aquariums worldwide meet the standards required to earn AZA accreditation, and the WNC Nature Center is one of only eight facilities in North Carolina to hold the designation.

To earn AZA accreditation, zoos and aquariums must meet rigorous standards in animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, safety and many other areas. The process includes a detailed application and a meticulous, multiple-day on-site inspection conducted by an independent team of zoological professionals.

The inspection team evaluates all aspects of a 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 both the inspection team and the facility are then reviewed by AZA’s Accreditation Commission.

This thorough review is designed to ensure that each accredited facility has met and will continue to meet AZA’s high and evolving standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA-accredited facilities are required to complete the rigorous accreditation process every five years.

“AZA Accreditation is a cause for celebration. It’s a reminder that we remain among the very best Zoos and Aquariums in the World,” said WNC Nature Center Director Chris Gentile.

After this Fall 2026 AZA accreditation cycle, there are 241 AZA-accredited institutions and 14

AZA-accredited related facility members in 12 countries. Friends of the WNC Nature Center members can also enjoy the benefits of AZA accreditation beyond Asheville through reciprocal admission benefits at participating AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums across the country and around the world.

About the WNC Nature Center

Established as Recreation Park Zoo in 1925 and later re-visioned in 1977, the Western North Carolina Nature Center connects people of all ages with the plants and animals of the Southern Appalachians. Asheville’s Wildlife Park is located on forty-two acres and is home to more than sixty species of animals, including red panda, river otter, black bear, red wolves, and cougar. The Nature Center is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums – the gold standard for animal care and welfare. To learn more, visit www.wildwnc.org.

About the Friends

Established in 1975, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center is a vital partner with the WNC Nature Center. With their donors and members, the Friends enrich the Nature Center’s mission to connect people with the plants and animals of the Southern Appalachians. As a conservation organization, the Friends inspire a passion to know more, care more, and do more for the wildlife of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. They advance the critical work of the WNC Nature Center by supporting its growth and development through fundraising, membership, outreach education, marketing, and volunteer services.

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.

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