Idaho Falls Zoo among 30 facilities across the world to earn AZA accreditation
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park has earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the organization’s latest round of international reviews.
The AZA announced Tuesday that 30 facilities earned accreditation during its fall 2026 accreditation process. Three other facilities were denied.
For the Idaho Falls Zoo, the accreditation recognizes the facility for meeting AZA standards in areas including animal care, veterinary services, staff training, safety, education, and conservation.
The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a rigorous multi-day, on-site inspection by an independent team of zoo and aquarium professionals.
Inspectors review nearly every part of a facility’s operations, including animal care, veterinary programs, staff training, educational programs, conservation efforts, financial stability, safety, and guest services.
The process doesn’t end with the inspection. AZA's Accreditation Commission reviews reports from the inspection team and the facility, then holds a formal hearing with zoo leaders before making a final decision.
AZA-accredited facilities must go through the accreditation process every five years to maintain their status. Three facilities were denied accreditation during this round: Baylor University Bear Habitat in Texas, the Indianapolis Zoological Society, and Wildlife Safari in Oregon.
The Idaho Falls Zoo is located at Tautphaus Park and is home to a variety of animals from around the world.
With the latest accreditation decisions, Idaho Falls is now one of the 255 AZA-accredited facilities in 12 countries.
Celebrate with the Zoo
Idaho Falls residents still have a few chances to visit the zoo before the regular season ends for the year.
The zoo’s regular season wrapped up September 27, but the gates will reopen for two special October weekends — October 2-4 and October 9-11, weather permitting.
The zoo will be open Friday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last admission at 4:30 p.m.
So if you’ve been waiting for one more fall visit, there are just six more regular admission days on the calendar before the zoo closes for the season. Boo at the Zoo will also be returning later this fall.
