Atlanta, GA
Zoo Atlanta earns prestigious AZA reaccreditation, reinforcing global standard for animal care
A place generations of Atlantans grew up visiting is getting a major vote of confidence on the global stage.
Zoo Atlanta has officially been reaccredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a distinction considered the “gold standard” for animal care and conservation efforts.
For families across metro Atlanta, the zoo isn’t just a weekend outing; it’s a staple of childhood memories, school field trips, and now, a symbol of world-class care happening right in the city’s backyard.
A big deal for a hometown institution
The AZA accreditation isn’t handed out lightly. It comes after a rigorous, multi-day inspection process where experts examine nearly every part of zoo operations — from animal wellbeing and veterinary care to education programs and guest experience.
Only facilities that meet the highest standards earn the designation, and they must go through the process every five years to keep it.
That’s why leaders say this reaccreditation matters.
“Earning AZA accreditation demonstrates commitment to the global gold standard of animal care and wellbeing,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the AZA.
Why it matters to Atlanta
For Atlantans, this recognition goes beyond a title. It reinforces that one of the city’s most beloved attractions is operating at the highest level — not just for visitors, but for the animals themselves.
Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Raymond B. King said the honor reflects the daily work happening behind the scenes.
“Zoo Atlanta works tirelessly and daily to ensure superior professional animal care and wellbeing,” King said, adding that the zoo’s mission also extends to education and conservation efforts that reach far beyond Georgia.
A global spotlight on the city
The announcement also comes as Atlanta hosts more than 1,200 zoo and aquarium professionals from around the world for the AZA Mid-Year Meeting. Many of them are getting a firsthand look at Zoo Atlanta during a special “Zoo Day” event.
It’s a moment that puts the Atlanta institution on the global map.
The bottom line
Out of hundreds of zoos and aquariums worldwide, only a select number meet AZA standards. Zoo Atlanta is one of them — and will remain so for the next five years.
For families planning their next visit, it’s a reminder that the same place known for pandas, giraffes, and gorillas is also part of a much bigger mission: protecting wildlife and setting the bar for how it’s done.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Police are investigating a shooting near an Atlanta park on Sunday night.
Police say a man was shot at 616 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, which is Rodney Cook Sr. Park in the Vine City neighborhood.
The man’s condition is currently unknown.
This is a developing story. Return to Atlanta News First for updates.
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The Atlanta Falcons are looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, and they’ll be relying on a new coaching staff to help them get there. But Kevin Stefanski is no rookie; he’s a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, only now he’ll be working with an entirely different group of personnel after coaching in Cleveland since 2020.
In addition to a new coach, the Falcons may have a different starting quarterback as Michael Penix Jr. continues to rehab last season’s torn ACL. He’ll also be competing with Tua Tagovailoa. Together, the Falcons believe they can compete for a playoff spot in the NFC South, but to do so, they’ll need all the help they can get. Unfortunately, the Falcons may not have everyone on hand to start the season.
According to The Athletic‘s Falcons insider Josh Kendall, the NFL is “likely” to suspend edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
Pearce faces three felony charges after an incident with his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Pearce’s charges are for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing the police, and resisting arrest with violence.
“Atlanta now appears to be waiting on the NFL to decide on Pearce. Under the league’s personal conduct policy, commissioner Roger Goodell has wide latitude to impose discipline regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. The league is likely to suspend Pearce. Steelers defensive back Cam Sutton was suspended eight games in 2024 after a domestic violence incident that began as a felony charge but was eventually reduced to a misdemeanor. Goodell could also place Pearce on the commissioner’s exempt list, which serves as an indefinite suspension while the league gathers more information.”
The Athletic’s Josh Kendall on James Pearce
Pearce is coming off an excellent rookie season that saw him record a team-high 10.5 sacks while starting three of his 17 appearances. The 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft looks like he’s poised to be a star. Yet, now the 22-year-old may have to wait to start his second NFL season. The question is how long?
If Pearce is forced to miss time, the Falcons will be counting on others, such as fellow 2025 first-round pick Jalon Walker, to make a bigger impact. The 22-year-old Walker recorded 5.5 sacks, making nine sacks in 15 appearances.
5 Possible Brendan Sorsby NFL Supplemental Draft Landing Spots for Late July
I’ve also heard that Atlanta sees great value in Swain at No. 23, but the Hawks have been signaling for some time that they are prepared (and perhaps even prefer) to trade their second pick in the first round after No. 8 for future draft capital. It sounds as though Atlanta will invite external trade interest for that pick until it is actually on the clock to make the selection Tuesday night.
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