KO
- Samsung C&T Resort Group’s Everland has once again achieved reaccreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), reaffirming its standing as one of the world’s leading zoos
- The achievement highlights Everland’s commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and education, and showcases international recognition for its facilities and conservation projects
This September, Everland celebrated a milestone that places it firmly among the world’s leading zoos. Samsung C&T Resort Group announced that Everland has successfully renewed its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the highest global standard in the field.
AZA accreditation is a recognition few institutions can claim. Out of nearly 2,800 wildlife-related facilities in the United States, fewer than 10 percent are accredited. The rigorous process involves not only meeting standards once, but undergoing a complete review every five years, with criteria that grow more demanding each cycle.
Everland, which became the first zoo in Asia to achieve AZA accreditation in 2019 alongside Seoul Grand Park Zoo, underwent its renewal process this year. On the evening of September 14 (KST), the AZA annual conference in Tampa, Florida, confirmed Everland’s reaccreditation, reaffirming its global reputation.
Meeting the World’s Highest Standards
The AZA sets stringent requirements that go far beyond basic animal management. To qualify, zoos must demonstrate excellence in animal welfare, operations, staff capabilities, safety, conservation, education, and research.
From June 10 to 13, AZA inspectors conducted a comprehensive on-site evaluation at Everland. They noted that every member of the organization shares the priority of “animal happiness and endangered species conservation,” embodying Everland’s vision of connecting people and nature for the future.
Facilities such as Panda World and Ppuppa Town drew special praise, as did enrichment programs designed to foster natural behaviors. The evaluators also highlighted Everland’s successful project to breed and release whooper swans into the wild. The swans migrated more than 2,300 kilometers to Primorsky Krai in Russia, was highlighted as an exemplary case of endangered species conservation.
Expanding International Collaboration
“Everland’s continuous efforts for animal happiness and endangered species conservation have once again been recognized on the global stage,” said Jung Dong-hee, Director of Everland Zoo. “We will continue to develop Everland into a place where both animals and visitors thrive.”
The reaccreditation marks not just a recognition of past achievements but also a platform for future growth. Everland will expand collaborations with leading zoos worldwide, advancing its role in global conservation.
Everland Zoo has a long-standing commitment to conservation. Since 2003, it has been certified by Korea’s Ministry of Environment as an ex-situ conservation institution. Today, it partners with organizations such as the Korean Tiger Conservation Fund and the International Elephant Foundation to protect endangered species both in Korea and abroad.
Plan your visit to meet the animals of Everland Zoo and experience one of the world’s leading accredited zoos. For ticket reservations and details, visit the official Everland website.
