Animal Welfare
While committing to wildlife conservation, research and education, zoos and aquariums also need to ensure they provide the best possible quality of life to the animals under their care. This is not an easy nor straightforward task as it involves the management and integration of different, sometimes conflicting, aspects. Some of these are:
Research/Knowledge on the biology and ecology of each species.
Human-animal interactions.
Visitor satisfaction & education.
Financial and human resources.
Multi-institutional collaboration.
Past & Present - The Evolution of Zoos in Photos
© Joel Sartore
Click on each photo for more info & source
No zoo is perfect and there is always something to improve animal welfare-wise... but it's undeniable zoos have come a long way!
See for yourself... Check out some historical photos from zoos all over the world... and the recent version!
How are world zoos committing to animal welfare?
Photo: Oregon Zoo
"WAZA advances animal welfare as part of its mission as a global conservation organisation."
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
"Each institution should review available models as the science continues to evolve, and either choose a model that has already been developed, or develop a unique model that is based on scientific evidence."
WAZA Welfare Strategy (2025)
Europe
"There is no greater responsibility for institutions housing animals in human care than the welfare of these animals. With good welfare, we know that the animals in our zoos and aquariums can contribute more fully to conservation, education and research, and thrive.."
Ouwehands Dierenpark
"EAZA Best Practice Guidelines are produced by the various Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs) to merge expert husbandry knowledge and make it widely available within and outside the borders of the EAZA community. The guidelines displayed below show best practice standards, which EAZA zoos aim at achieving. "
Australasia
"The one thing that must underpin everything else we do is positive animal welfare. We don’t believe in settling with just “not bad”, we want the animals under our care to experience “great” welfare and live fulfilling lives. To support positive animal welfare, ZAA-accredited zoos and aquariums use the latest in animal welfare science. "
© Perth Zoo
North America
"Providing for good animal welfare encompasses both ethical and scientific responsibilities. AZA-accredited institutions have an ethical responsibility to ensure the well-being of the animals in their care. In addition, AZA-accredited institutions have a scientific responsibility to gain a greater understanding of the well-being of the animals in their care by advancing animal welfare science."
Photo: Chicago Zoological Society
"AZA Animal Care Manuals (ACMs) provide a compilation of animal care and management knowledge that has been gained from recognized species experts, including AZA Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs), Species Survival Plan® Programs (SSPs), biologists, veterinarians, nutritionists, reproduction physiologists, behaviorists and researchers. "
