Squam Lakes Natural Science Center accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums for 2026

SILVER SPRING, Maryland — The Association of Zoos and Aquariums announces the accreditation of 30 world-class institutions at its Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon. The independent Accreditation Commission evaluated 33 facility applications. Of those, 30 facilities were granted accreditation, and three were denied.

"We are incredibly proud of the facilities that have earned AZA accreditation this fall, and are pleased to welcome four new members,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “Each new member was part of AZA’s Pathway Toward Membership Program. Their success demonstrates how this program helps organizations prepare to meet AZA’s rigorous accreditation standards.”

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, in Holderness, was one of the 30 facilities to receive AZA accreditation. 

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing, veterinary care, staff training, educational programs, conservation efforts, financial stability, risk management, governance and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility are then thoroughly evaluated by the Accreditation Commission. Finally, the commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-increasing standards. As a condition of association membership, AZA facilities are required to complete this rigorous and comprehensive accreditation process every five years.

For more information, visit aza.org.