Association of Zoos and Aquariums

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are leaders in the protection of endangered species. In 1981, AZA established the Species Survival Plan Program™ (SSP), which is a long-term plan involving conservation breeding, habitat preservation, public education, field conservation, and supportive research to ensure survival for many of the planet's threatened and endangered species. An official understanding has been entered into between the AZA and the Service which establishes a broad framework for joint participation for the conservation of native North American animal and plant species and their habitats.

memorandum of understanding

National FWS Programs They Work With

We provide national leadership in the recovery and conservation of our nation's imperiled plant and animal species, working with experts in the scientific community to identify species on the verge of extinction and to build the road to recovery to bring them back. We work with a range of public...

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are announcing nearly $6.5 million in the third wave of reimbursements under the Endangered Species COVID-19 Relief program, funded by the American Rescue Plan.

Partner Category

Here we partner with a wider variety of other organizations on projects to meet shared conservation goals.

Other Partners

Here are just a few of our National Partners. You can view the full list of FWS partners, along with the regions and areas of focus our work together entails.

Partnership Services

Through our partnerships we are able to expand our capabilities through the inclusion of services in areas such as:

  • Grant opportunities
  • Sponsorship of grants
  • Cooperative Agreements

To find out more about how our partner provides services view our partner services below.