NORRISTOWN, Pa. (September 10, 2026) — Elmwood Park Zoo has been named a 2026 recipient of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Quarter Century Award, recognizing the Zoo for 25 consecutive years of AZA accreditation and its longstanding commitment to excellence in animal care, conservation, education and guest experience.

Elmwood Park Zoo first earned AZA accreditation in 2001 and has maintained its status continuously for the past 25 years. The Quarter Century Award recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the rigorous standards required of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.

“Reaching 25 years of continuous AZA accreditation is an incredible milestone for Elmwood Park Zoo and, more importantly, a reflection of the people who have dedicated themselves to this organization over the last quarter century,” said Al Zone, CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo. “This recognition belongs to generations of staff, volunteers, board members and supporters who have helped us grow while never losing sight of our responsibility to provide exceptional care for our animals, contribute to conservation and create meaningful connections between our community and the natural world. We’re incredibly proud of how far Elmwood Park Zoo has come, and even more excited about where we’re headed.”

Established in 2015, the AZA Quarter Century Award honors zoos and aquariums that have maintained continuous accreditation for 25 years. AZA accreditation evaluates institutions across all aspects of their operations, including animal care and wellbeing, veterinary care, conservation, education, staffing, facilities, safety, and guest services.

“Congratulations to Elmwood Park Zoo for 25 years of continuous accreditation!” said Chris Dold, Chair of the AZA Board of Directors, and Craig Piper, Chair of the AZA Accreditation Commission. “As you know, the Elmwood Park Zoo has been AZA-accredited since 2001—25 years! That’s a tremendous achievement, and AZA is honored to present your institution with the Quarter Century Award recognizing Elmwood Park Zoo’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in animal care and wellbeing, veterinary care, conservation, education, staffing, facilities, safety, guest services, and more.”

“This award, established in 2015, acknowledges Elmwood Park Zoo’s continuous dedication to modern zoological practices and philosophies—the hallmarks of AZA accreditation. We applaud your dedicated commitment to AZA standards and policies.”

AZA accreditation is a comprehensive process that requires zoos and aquariums to meet professionally established standards and undergo a thorough review by recognized experts in the zoological field. Accredited institutions must continue to demonstrate that they meet or exceed those standards to maintain their status.

For Elmwood Park Zoo, the milestone comes during a period of continued growth and investment in its future. Over its 25 years as an AZA-accredited institution, the Zoo has expanded its role in animal care and conservation, education and community engagement while continuing to evolve its campus and experiences for guests.

“Twenty-five years is something worth celebrating, but it also sets the standard for what comes next,” Zone added. “As we look toward the future of Elmwood Park Zoo, our commitment is to continue building an institution that our community can be proud of and that remains dedicated to the highest levels of animal care, conservation and education for generations to come.”

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kyle Gurganious
Director of Marketing
Elmwood Park Zoo
kgurganious@elmwoodparkzoo.org

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ABOUT ELMWOOD PARK ZOO
Elmwood Park Zoo, located in Norristown, Pennsylvania, is home to a diverse collection of species from around the world and is dedicated to wildlife conservation, education, and providing memorable guest experiences. Open year-round, the Zoo offers up-close animal encounters, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly attractions including the Zoo Brew Beer Garden, a carousel, and seasonal events. Through hands-on learning opportunities and community programming, Elmwood Park Zoo inspires guests of all ages to connect with wildlife and the natural world. For more information, visit www.elmwoodparkzoo.org