Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 ZAA Awards!

Apply Today: https://zooassociation.org/awards

The Zoological Association of America (ZAA) is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 ZAA Awards! These prestigious awards recognize outstanding achievements across a variety of categories including animal care, conservation, education, exhibit design, and species propagation. Whether your facility is large or small, your work matters — and we want to hear your story.

The application process is straightforward and accessible, and your submission will be evaluated against like-sized organizations. So even if your team is small or your project feels modest, know this: your “little thing” might just be a big deal. If you’re doing something meaningful, creative, or impactful — this is your moment to share it.

2025 Award Categories

• Animal Exhibit Award of Excellence
  For exhibits that reflect excellence in the area of new and unique live animal display, exhibit design, and construction.

  Click here to apply.

• Comprehensive Immersion Exhibits
  Recognizing exhibits that provide immersive experiences featuring recreated natural landscape displays.

  Click here to apply.

• Educational Award of Excellence
  Honoring outstanding achievement and innovation in education program design and implementation.

  Click here to apply.

• Ex Situ Conservation Award
  Celebrating excellence in captive care, welfare and propagation of animal species in captivity, as a hedge against extinction.

  Click here to apply.

• In Situ Conservation Award
  Recognizes significant contributions to enhancing the conservation of an animal species in nature.

  Click here to apply.

• Excellence in Breeding
  Awarded for a truly momentous captive propagation achievement that enhances the conservation of the species whether common or endangered, in captivity.

  Click here to apply.

• Long-Term Commitment & Significant Propagation of a Species
  Honoring long-term dedication to a captive propagation achievement that enhances the conservation of the species whether common or endangered, in captivity.

  Click here to apply.

Tell Your Story

Receiving a ZAA Award not only celebrates your achievements but also helps amplify the impact of your work within the greater zoological and conservation communities. This is your opportunity to showcase the heart and hard work behind your institution’s mission. It’s a chance to honor your team, inspire others, and elevate your institution’s profile on a national stage. If you’ve ever thought, “It’s just a small thing we do,” that might be the exact story worth sharing.

Click here to apply today: https://zooassociation.org/awards

Want to See Excellence in Action?

Interested in learning about past recipients? Visit the ZAA Awards page to discover last year’s winners.

You can also dive deeper into their inspiring stories in our latest magazine features:
Frank Buck Zoo - Teddy Bear Hospital
Monterey Zoological Facility - A Recipe for "Saving Rhinos"

Let’s recognize the dedication, creativity, and passion that power our profession. We look forward to seeing your submissions!