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
Philadelphia Phillies lose fifth straight game to end homestand, swept by Atlanta Braves
Michael Harris II homered and had three hits as the streaking Atlanta Braves defeated the slumping Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 on Sunday night to complete a three-game sweep of their NL East rivals.
Ozzie Albies hit an RBI double and Austin Riley also drove in a run for the Braves, who have won five in a row and nine of 11. It was Atlanta’s first series sweep of at least three games at Philadelphia in 10 years.
Kyle Schwarber went deep for the Phillies, who have lost five straight and 10 of 13. They were outscored 56-33 on a 2-7 homestand against the Diamondbacks, Cubs and Braves, leaving Philadelphia 6 1/2 games behind first-place Atlanta in the division standings.
Raisel Iglesias escaped trouble in the ninth inning for his fifth save. Philadelphia put runners on first and second with one out, but Trea Turner struck out and Schwarber lined out to right field on an excellent running catch by Ronald Acuña Jr.
Tyler Kinley (3-0) pitched a scoreless sixth for the win.
Schwarber’s two-run shot in the first gave Philadelphia a 2-0 lead.
Harris homered leading off the third before the Braves went ahead in the fifth with three runs against rookie starter Andrew Painter (1-1) and lefty reliever Tim Mayza.
Painter was lifted after he opened the inning by allowing singles to Harris and Acuña. Mayza loaded the bases with a walk, and the Braves tied the game on Matt Olson’s groundout. Riley’s dribbler to third went for an RBI infield single, and Albies’ double to the left-field wall made it 4-2.
Riley saved at least one run while ending a Philadelphia threat in the bottom of the fifth with a stellar defensive play at third base.
Braves starter Grant Holmes allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings.
On a chilly night, Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto sat out after leaving Saturday’s game with lower back tightness.
Up next
Braves: Begin a four-game series Monday night at Washington. RHP Bryce Elder (2-1, 0.77 ERA) opposes Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (1-2, 6.16).
Phillies: Open seven-game trip Monday night with the first of four games against the Cubs. RHP Aaron Nola (1-4, 4.03 ERA) faces Chicago RHP Colin Rea (2-0, 3.63).
Atlanta Hawks (46-36, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New York Knicks (53-29, third in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Monday, 8 p.m. EDT
LINE: Knicks -5.5; over/under is 216.5
EASTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Knicks lead series 1-0
BOTTOM LINE: The New York Knicks host the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference first round with a 1-0 lead in the series. The Knicks won the last matchup 113-102 on Saturday, led by 28 points from Jalen Brunson. CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 26.
The Knicks are 35-17 in Eastern Conference games. New York has a 9-4 record in one-possession games.
The Hawks are 27-25 in Eastern Conference play. Atlanta is third in the league scoring 18.1 fast break points per game. McCollum leads the Hawks averaging 5.0.
The Knicks are shooting 47.8% from the field this season, 0.4 percentage points higher than the 47.4% the Hawks allow to opponents. The Hawks are shooting 47.4% from the field, 1.4% higher than the 46.0% the Knicks’ opponents have shot this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds for the Knicks. Brunson is averaging 19.9 points over the last 10 games.
Dyson Daniels is scoring 11.9 points per game and averaging 6.8 rebounds for the Hawks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is averaging 21.3 points and 2.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Knicks: 6-4, averaging 110.4 points, 40.7 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 8.4 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.9 points per game.
Hawks: 5-5, averaging 117.2 points, 43.5 rebounds, 27.7 assists, 8.4 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.0 points.
INJURIES: Knicks: Tyler Kolek: day to day (oblique), Mitchell Robinson: day to day (ankle), Karl-Anthony Towns: day to day (elbow).
Hawks: Jock Landale: out (ankle).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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