January 8, 2019

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) have some of the highest standards for animal care and
welfare in the world. Less than 10% of the 2,800 wildlife organizations licensed by the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) are AZA accredited and these accredited organizations must meet and
maintain rigorous, mandatory standards for animal care and welfare.

As one of 233 AZA accredited zoos and aquariums, the Birmingham Zoo is committed to upholding these
high standards of welfare and conservation of African elephants within the AZA and in the wild. The
Birmingham Zoo has demonstrated a strong, successful program of elephant care, management and welfare
that meets or exceeds AZA standards.

AZA Standards for Elephant Management and Care are based on the expertise and scientific study
conducted by the AZA Elephant Taxon Advisory Group, that guide 62 AZA accredited organizations with
elephants involved in the Asian and African Elephant Species Survival Plan® (SSP) programs. These programs
oversee the population sustainability and management of elephants within AZA member institutions and
support elephant conservation in the wild.

SSP programs encompass the social, behavioral, physical, emotional and other needs of elephants and
participating members utilize the SSP programs to cooperatively provide and maintain exceptional care.

The Birmingham Zoo has accomplished what no other American zoo has: to establish and maintain an all-
male herd of African elephants. This is critically important to male elephant development because, in the
wild, young male elephants leave their family herd as they mature. They can be found alone or with other
males at different times and as they mature they will associate with female herds for breeding purposes.

The Birmingham Zoo is the only AZA accredited Zoo in the state of Alabama and takes pride in being a part
of the conservation of wildlife and wild places. Species Survival Plan® Programs align with the Zoo’s mission
of Inspiring Passion to Conserve the Natural World. In suburban and urban communities, AZA accredited
zoos and aquariums are often the only way that the public can connect with wildlife and nature firsthand. By
visiting the Birmingham Zoo, visitors make connections to the natural world and hopefully are inspired to
help save elephants.

Wild elephants are being lost at the rate of 96 a day in Africa. AZA accredited zoos continue to answer the
call to action by providing support to elephant conservation all around the world so that these magnificent
animals will survive into the future. The Birmingham Zoo takes pride in providing the best welfare and care
that we can for the elephants and all animals we have the privilege of working with.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Samil Baker
Public Relations & Social Media Manager
sbaker@birminghamzoo.com | 205.397.3874

About the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the
advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation.
AZA represents more than 230 institutions in the United States and overseas, which collectively draw
more than 183 million visitors every year. These institutions meet the highest standards in animal care
and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars
to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs.

LINKS
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) https://www.aza.org/

ABOUT Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® Programs
The mission of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan®
(SSP) Program is to oversee the population management of select species within AZA member institutions
(i.e., AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Conservation Partners, and Certified Related Facilities (CRFs)) and
to enhance conservation of this species in the wild.

ABOUT THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO

The Birmingham Zoo is an independent, not for profit, 501(c)(3) organization and is accredited by the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Our mission: Inspiring Passion to Conserve the Natural World.

Approximately 700 animals of 230 species call the Birmingham Zoo home, including sea lions, zebras, rhinos
and endangered species from six continents. The Birmingham Zoo is a non-profit and is open daily from 9am
to 5pm. Regular admission is $17* for adults and $14* for senior citizens and military and $12* for children
ages 2-12 (*Price not including tax). All Birmingham Zoo Members and children under two-years-old receive
free admission. The Birmingham Zoo is the only AZA accredited Zoo in the state of Alabama.

www.birminghamzoo.com I 2630 Cahaba Road I Birmingham, AL 35223