We verify the welfare and humane treatment of animals in zoos & aquariums and centers of conservation.
Our Impact in 2024
500,000
Animals protected at zoos and aquariums.
85
Certified zoos, aquariums and conservation parks.
17
Countries where you can find certified facilities.
Zoos and aquariums have become modern-day arks of hope for many species. Zoos and aquariums not only fund thousands of conservation projects, they are vessels to safely house and help sustain populations of critically endangered animals.
Our zoo and aquarium certification program allows for independent, third-party verification of the humane treatment of animals in human care, based on rigorous science and evidence-based practices.
Developed by our Science Advisory Committee — independent, respected veterinarians and experts in animal welfare, animal science, zoology and ethics — these standards serve as a benchmark of humane care to which institutions can aspire.
When you see the American Humane Certified™ logo, be assured that the facility meets our high standards of animal care.
This is definitely needed in our industry, as we all work to improve the level of care of animals.
Barbara Baker
DVM, Former President & CEO, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Visit a certified zoo or aquarium
The good work that professionals at zoos and aquariums do is helping to save species, provide life-saving research and education and inspire millions of visitors each year to protect the animals they see and interact with.
Certify your facility
Does your facility meet the highest standards of welfare and care for animals? Interested in becoming certified and demonstrating the excellence of the humane standards of your facility?
Rhinos from Denver Zoo; Dolphins from Dolphin Quest; Leopards from Turtle Back Zoo; Penguins from Turtle Back Zoo.
Scientific Advisory Committee
Our science-based standards are informed by this group of respected veterinarians and experts in the fields of animal welfare, animal science, zoology, and ethics who have decades of experience protecting animals.
Lara Croft, DVM, DACZM
Veterinary Scientist, Morris Animal Foundation
Ramiro Isaza, DVM, MS, MPH, DACZM
Professor of Zoological Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida
Xavier Manteca Vilanova, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Animal and Feed Science, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
James F. McBain, DVM
Veterinary consultant
Ken Ramirez
Executive Vice President and Chief Training Officer, Karen Pryor Clicker Training
Suzi Rapp
Partner, The Kuzo Group, LLC
Stephanie Stowell
Director, Zoo and Aquarium Projects, Tessere
F. William Zeigler
Vice President, Aquarium & Zoo Resources, Inc.
Our latest film: Escape from Extinction Rewilding
Narrated by Academy Award winner Meryl Streep, the film follows tireless conservation efforts of leading organizations implementing rewilding practices across a diverse array of species in equally diverse environments.
Latest news and updates
Get the latest news about our zoo and aquarium certification program. View all
