Doing Our Part to Perserve the Natural World
The zoo does more than just house and feed animals. The Henry Vilas Zoo also participates in a variety of programs that help to conserve habitats and animals as well as save endangered animals.

Henry Vilas Zoo, AZA, and You: A Natural Connection

Zoos and aquariums are always fun and educational to visit. You can also feel great about your visit to Henry Vilas Zoo for other reasons, too. As an institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we've met rigorous, professional standards for animal management, veterinary care, wildlife conservation and research, education, safety, staffing, and more.

Fewer than 10% of the USDA-licensed wildlife exhibitors in the United States are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. We are proud that Henry Vilas Zoo has met the high standards set by AZA. When you purchase a ticket or make a donation, it helps fund our programs (including our conservation activities) and exhibits. We want to thank you for your part in Henry Vilas Zoo's continued success as well as the success of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

We know people are increasingly interested in animal welfare and in connecting young people with nature. These issues are at the heart of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. AZA is an international organization that sets high standards for zoos and aquariums.

Looking for the AZA accreditation seal is the simplest way to be sure you're not just being entertained, but you're patronizing a facility where high quality animal care is paramount and conservation education programs are based on solid science.

With more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation. Each year, AZA member institutions participate in about two thousand conservation projects in about 100 countries and invest tens of millions of dollars in programs to help wildlife.

In addition, every year staff at these institutions contribute to our understanding of wildlife biology and conservation by publishing hundreds of books, book chapters, journal articles, conference proceedings papers, posters, theses or dissertations.

AZA also works cooperatively with the U.S. Congress, federal and state government agencies, and international conservation organizations on legislative and regulatory matters pertaining to animal welfare, wildlife conservation field programs, conservation research/education initiatives, and the public display of wildlife, including animal care and husbandry, transport and breeding.

AZA participates in a number of international treaties and conventions impacting wildlife, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the International Whaling Commission, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

For more information on any of these efforts, visit The AZA