Adventure Aquarium receives prestigious accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Camden attraction celebrates more than 30 consecutive years of excellence in aquatic animal care and conservation.

Silver Spring, MD. (March 27, 2025) – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has announced that Adventure Aquarium was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. This accreditation marks the 32nd consecutive year that the Camden attraction has been recognized for excellence in animal welfare.

"Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Adventure Aquarium for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president, and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core. Adventure Aquarium has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Accreditation Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

“Accreditation by AZA is not just a mark of excellence—it’s a true reflection of the unwavering passion and professionalism of our entire Adventure Aquarium team,” said Jennifer Porter, Executive Director and Vice President of Adventure Aquarium. “This achievement is powerful validation of our team's dedication and commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and creating meaningful experiences for every guest who walks through our doors.”

There are 238 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facility members throughout the U.S. and 12 other countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.

About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 12 other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

About Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium is home to a vast collection of aquatic species and unparalleled experiences, offering guests up-close animal encounters, interactive touch exhibits, the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast, and the world’s longest shark bridge. Notable residents include a colony of endangered African penguins and Nile hippopotamuses, Button and Genny—the only hippos exhibited at an aquarium anywhere in the world. Adventure Aquarium has been nationally recognized as a top ten U.S. aquarium by USA Today (2023, 2024), Conde Nast Traveler (2024), U.S. News & World Report (2025), and Newsweek (2025). As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for over 30 consecutive years, Adventure Aquarium upholds the highest standards of animal care and exhibition. For more information or to plan a visit, go to AdventureAquarium.com.

Adventure Aquarium is part of Herschend’s collection of wholesome family brands. Herschend, the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company, has been Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating® for 75 years. Its 14,000+ passionate employees (hosts) collectively entertain 15 million families every year across North America, including at iconic award-winning destinations such as Dollywood® Parks & Resorts, Silver Dollar City Parks & Resorts®, Adventure Aquarium®, Callaway Resort & Gardens®, Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park®, Newport Aquarium®, The Vancouver Aquarium® and Wild Adventures Theme Park®. In addition to its premier themed attractions, Herschend is proud to steward the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters® legacy and provide immersive content and experiences through our Herschend Entertainment Studios® and Pink Adventure Tours® brands. Learn more at www.herschendenterprises.com.