Global Leader

The Virginia Zoo was honored to be accepted as a new institutional member of the World Association of Zoo and Aquariums (WAZA). The worldwide membership of WAZA includes more than 300 zoos and aquariums from over 50 countries. This organization aims to guide, encourage and support zoos, aquariums and like-minded organizations of the world in animal care and welfare, environmental education and global conservation.

To be accredited, the Virginia Zoo was proposed and sponsored by two other member institutions and then underwent a thorough review process to ensure it met specific standards in veterinary programs, conservation, education, and species management. After this extensive review process conducted by peers in the world zoological community, the Virginia Zoo was accepted as a member to this organization.

“It is such an honor to join the ranks of these global leaders of zoos and aquariums.  We are thrilled to partner with these institutions across the world to share in learnings and advance the furtherment of the zoo and aquarium mission,” comments Greg Bockheim, Executive Director.

 The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, Virginia is home to more than 500 animals representing over 100 different species. Founded in 1900 and residing on 53 landscaped acres in Lafayette, the Virginia Zoo has demonstrated a commitment to education and conservation for more than a century. The Virginia Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Associate of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the unifying organization for the world zoo and aquarium community. Our more than 300 members are leading zoos, aquariums, associations, affiliate organizations and corporate partners from around the world. With more than 700 million visitors annually, together we are ‘United for Conservation.’

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