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

Projects

National FWS Programs They Work With

Close up of a California condor. Its pink featherless head contrasts with its black feathers.
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...
Program
Baileys Crossroads,VA

Related Stories

A sihek stand on a branch in a cage. It is cinnamon orange with metallic blue wings and tail. It's beak is large and black and it has a metallic blue stripe retreating from its eye like mascara.
Extinct in the Wild Sihek Arrive at Palmyra Atoll
In 1988 the last sihek (Guam kingfisher) was seen in the wild on the island of Guam; however, on August 28, 2024, almost 36 years since the last sihek was seen in the wild, nine newly hatched sihek will get a chance to start a new life in the wild on the remote Pacific island of Palmyra.
Story
Wildlife Management
A black-footed ferret in their enclosure.
Innovative Cloning Advancements for Black-footed Ferret Conservation
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its genetic research partners announce the birth of two new black-footed ferret clones – known as Noreen and Antonia – and are providing an update on their latest efforts to breed previously cloned black-footed ferret, Elizabeth Ann.
Press Release
An endangered Wyoming toad hangs out under a toadstool.
Funds Available for Endangered and Rescued Species Care During the Pandemic
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Association of Zoos and Aquariums today announced that $10 million is available in American Rescue Plan Act funding for eligible zoos and aquariums. The eligibility criteria for the rescued wildlife category for funding is now expanded to include native marine...
Press Release
Sea otters floating in a group
$6.5M in Reimbursement Funds for Endangered Species Care on Way
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.
Press Release
A sihek stand on a branch in a cage. It is cinnamon orange with metallic blue wings and tail. It's beak is large and black and it has a metallic blue stripe retreating from its eye like mascara.
Experimental Population of Sihek at Palmyra Atoll
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing the experimental population of sihek (Guam kingfisher) at The Nature Conservancy’s Palmyra Atoll Preserve. Captive bred sihek would be released on Palmyra Atoll as an experimental population under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act, which...
Press Release

Partner Category

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Non-Governmental Organizations

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

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

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.

View Full Partner List

Partnership Services

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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.

View Partner Services