Indianapolis Zoo loses AZA accreditation status

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Zoo has lost its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums after its application for continued accreditation was not approved during the latest accreditation cycle.

The zoo confirmed the decision Monday and said it is exploring options to regain accreditation, including working with the AZA through its Pathways to Membership program.

The program allows organizations to work directly with the AZA on targeted improvements.

Why did the zoo lose accreditation?

The zoo said the AZA recognized several achievements and positive steps but also identified longstanding organizational concerns involving communication, internal consistency and collaboration across departments.

The zoo said the AZA wants to give it more time to demonstrate that changes being made to improve its organizational culture are “long-lasting and sustainable.”

“While this short-term outcome is certainly not what we wanted or expected, the Zoo respects the accreditation process and is committed to working with AZA to rejoin the organization soon,” the zoo said in a statement.

The zoo added that its commitment to animal care and providing a “world-class guest experience” remains unchanged.

What is AZA accreditation?

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization that accredits zoos and aquariums based on standards covering areas including animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation and education, guest services, physical facilities and safety, staffing, finances and governance.

The Indianapolis Zoo’s accreditation was listed as active through September 2026.

Losing AZA accreditation does not mean the zoo has to close. The Indianapolis Zoo remains open to visitors.

Recent scrutiny

The accreditation decision comes after several incidents involving the zoo over the past year.

In October 2025, two rare, endangered tortoises were stolen from zoo property. The tortoises were later found unharmed in a Madison County park. The zoo acknowledged that it waited 11 days to report the thefts to Indiana State Police.

In November 2025, a chimpanzee escaped from its enclosure and was recaptured after more than an hour.

Then, in March, zoo President and CEO Dr. Rob Shumaker stepped down after 16 years leading the organization.

It is not clear whether those incidents played a role in the AZA’s decision. The zoo’s statement did not identify them as reasons for the loss of accreditation.

The Indianapolis Zoo had been one of four AZA-accredited zoos in Indiana. The others are the Fort Wayne Zoo, Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville and Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend.

About The Author

See author's posts