Rolling Hills Zoo
At the Annual Conference of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in Portland, Oregon, Rolling Hills Zoo was once again granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Following a comprehensive evaluation, the Commission determined that Rolling Hills Zoo meets the highest standards for animal care, wellbeing and management, as well as education, conservation, veterinary care, guest services and overall zoo operations.
AZA accreditation is widely recognized as the gold standard for zoos and aquariums. It represents an ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care for animals while advancing conservation, education and the highest standards of professional excellence.
“AZA accreditation is about much more than passing an inspection—it is a reflection of the heart and dedication of our entire team,” said Rolling Hills Zoo Executive Director Ryan VanZant. “Every day, our staff comes to work with a shared commitment to giving the animals in our care the very best lives possible, while inspiring our guests to care about wildlife and the wild places they call home. To have that commitment recognized through AZA accreditation is an incredible honor and a responsibility we take very seriously.”
“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Rolling Hills Zoo 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. Rolling Hills Zoo has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”
The AZA accreditation process is rigorous and an ongoing commitment to maintaining AZA’s gold standard in animal care and all aspects of professional excellence at the zoo. For the zoo’s accreditation, staff prepare a detailed application addressing virtually every aspect of the facility’s operation. Once the application is submitted, an on-site inspection team of zoological professionals conducts a meticulous, multi-day evaluation.
The inspection team examines all areas of the zoo’s operations, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; educational programs; conservation initiatives; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services.
Following the on-site inspection, detailed reports from both the inspection team and the zoo are thoroughly reviewed by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. The Commission then conducts a formal hearing with the facility’s top officials before determining whether accreditation will be granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.
This comprehensive review process ensures that AZA-accredited facilities not only meet rigorous standards today but are committed to continually improving and meeting the ever-evolving standards of professional zoological care.
As a condition of Association membership, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums must successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.
Following the Fall 2026 accreditation cycle, there are 241 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facility members in 12 countries.
Rolling Hills Zoo has maintained AZA accreditation since the zoo’s inception, reflecting its longstanding commitment to excellence in animal care, conservation, education and guest experience.
“For us, accreditation is not simply a designation—it is a promise,” VanZant said. “It is a promise to the animals entrusted to our care, to the people who visit us, and to the future of wildlife. We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful to our community for helping us continue this important work.”