The JMZ's Latest Milestone:

Association of Zoos & Aquariums Accreditation

October 21, 2025



Dear Friends,

We’re delighted to share a major milestone for the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo: the JMZ has officially earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)!

This achievement affirms the JMZ’s excellence in animal care, conservation, and education. AZA accreditation has been a long-standing goal for the JMZ, and the Friends is proud to have been a supporting partner. One of the driving intentions behind the JMZ Initiative—the rebuilding of the facility that opened in 2021—was to create habitats that enrich the lives of the animals who call the zoo home.

We are especially grateful to JMZ Zoo Director, Sean Ramsdell; JMZ Executive Director, John Aikin; and the entire animal care team whose hard work and dedication made this milestone a reality. As Sean shared, “This achievement not only validates the incredible efforts of our staff but also strengthens our promise to the community to provide a place where children can learn and be inspired by science and nature.”

Next time you visit, we invite you to experience the zoo with fresh eyes—notice the thoughtful habitats, enrichment, and daily care that helped make accreditation possible.

With gratitude,

Lauren Angelo

Board President, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

One of the JMZ's flamingo nestles its beak into its pink feathers.

The JMZ Earns AZA Accreditation: Here’s What It Means

Questions for JMZ Zoo Director, Sean Ramsdell

What is AZA accreditation, and why is it important?

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) sets the highest standards for animal care, conservation, education, and safety in the zoo and aquarium field. Accreditation means that the JMZ meets or exceeds these benchmarks across every part of our operations—from the way we design habitats to how we engage visitors in conservation. Fewer than 10% of zoos and aquariums in the U.S. earn this distinction, so it’s an accomplishment we’re extremely proud of.

JMZ Zookeeper and Friends Ambassador, Lee Harper, feeds

Edward the Tortoise a pink flower.

How did the JMZ earn accreditation?

The process is rigorous and detailed. We spent months compiling documentation on animal care protocols, veterinary practices, staff training, education programs, and visitor safety. Then a team of AZA experts conducted an on-site inspection, examining everything from our lemur habitat to our school outreach programs. After the inspection, the AZA Accreditation Commission reviewed the findings and met with JMZ leadership to make their final decision. The inspection committee was especially amazed by the hands-on, interactive science lessons that JMZ Educators teach both on-site and in schools.

A young child is mesmerized by the colorful fish in the JMZ's Cichlid Pond.

What’s next for the JMZ now that it’s accredited?

Accreditation opens the door to exciting new opportunities: collaborating with other AZA-accredited institutions on conservation initiatives, participating in species survival programs, and expanding educational programming. As John Aikin shared, “Joining AZA provides us an opportunity to amplify our work globally through the association’s 251 member institutions.”

For our community, accreditation is more than a badge of excellence—it’s an invitation to keep supporting the JMZ and the Friends, making high-quality nature and science education accessible to every child, regardless of background or ability. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this milestone possible and look forward to advancing AZA’s standards of animal care, conservation, and education in the years ahead.

Shug, one of the JMZ's lemurs, perches on a branch and looks towards the camera.

All photos courtesy of Artem Nazarov.