Animal Welfare

ZAA-accredited zoos and aquariums exist for the purpose of conservation, education, science, research and connecting people with nature. 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.

 


ZAA uses the Five Domains Model, developed by Massey University. The Five Domains Model is based on modern animal welfare science and can be used to assess welfare.

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Using the Five Domains, ZAA grants accreditation to zoos and aquariums that have clearly demonstrated their commitment to positive welfare.

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