Accreditations and Inspections

The ABQ BioPark is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). We are regularly inspected and reviewed by visiting veterinarians from the AZA and the USDA.

USDA regulation

Animal care personnel from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) perform unannounced compliance inspections annually. As a USDA licensed facility, the BioPark must demonstrate that our facilities and animals comply with the regulations and standards of the Animal Welfare Act. Inspectors review the premises, facilities, husbandry practices, program of veterinary care, records and animal handling procedures.

AZA accreditation

Fewer than 10 percent of the approximately 2,800 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA’s rigorous, scientifically based and publicly-available standards examine the zoo and aquarium’s entire operations, including animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education, guest services, physical facilities, safety, staffing, finance, and governing body.  AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are constantly evolving and standards are continuously being raised. Each zoo or aquarium must keep up with these changes to remain AZA-accredited. As such, to maintain accreditation we must go through the entire accreditation process every five years. The BioPark has been accredited with the AZA since March of 1981.

The BioPark’s most recent AZA accreditation inspection was in June of 2021. A team of AZA professionals, including a veterinarian, was onsite for 3 and a half days, ensuring that the BioPark met all AZA standards. Accreditation was awarded for another five years in September 2021.