Wildlife Safari Loses AZA Accreditation

The Missouri zoo was not granted continued accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is now pursuing its membership pathway.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Wildlife

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Wildlife Safari was not granted continued accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, according to a statement released Monday, November 2, 2026. The park says it has begun implementing improvements identified during the AZA review process.

Why it matters

Accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a recognized benchmark for animal care and operations among zoos, so losing continued accreditation affects how the park is viewed within the accredited zoo community. Wildlife Safari is working with AZA's resources and guidance to strengthen operations ahead of any future accreditation.

Wildlife Safari's status change is documented by a formal AZA review rather than a self-reported matter. The source provides no specific figures, so the scope of the identified improvements remains unspecified.

The players

Wildlife Safari

A zoo in Missouri that houses a range of animals and is seeking to regain its accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

The national accrediting body that sets animal care and conservation standards for zoos and aquariums across North America.

Pat Markham

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wildlife Safari, overseeing the park's governance.

Dr. Benji Alcantar

Lead veterinarian at Wildlife Safari, responsible for the animal health program at the park.

The details

Wildlife Safari is participating in AZA's Pathway Toward Membership Program and has begun implementing improvements identified during the accreditation review. The park states it is committed to making the necessary changes and earning accreditation again.

Monday, November 2, 2026: Wildlife Safari released a statement on its AZA accreditation status.

Roadmap

Wildlife Safari has entered AZA's Pathway Toward Membership Program, the formal route the accrediting body provides for zoos seeking to regain standing. The park's path back runs through implementing review-identified improvements under AZA guidance.

Visitors to Wildlife Safari in Missouri should note that the park is operating without continued AZA accreditation while it works through the membership pathway. Readers planning a visit can check the park's current operating information for any changes tied to the improvements underway.

The takeaway

Accreditation status reflects ongoing operational standards rather than a single event, and zoos regaining it typically do so by completing documented improvements. Visitors and supporters can follow how the park addresses the review findings over time.