San Antonio Zoo has once again earned the American Humane Certified™ seal, recognizing the zoo’s continued commitment to high standards of animal welfare, care, and wellbeing following an extensive independent evaluation process.
The certification, awarded by American Humane Society, is valid through February 22, 2031.
American Humane Society, the nation’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, said the certification followed a rigorous third-party assessment of the zoo’s animal care operations, including both documentation reviews and on-site inspections.
The American Humane Certified™ Zoos & Aquariums program is currently the only certification initiative focused solely on verifying humane treatment and welfare standards for animals living in accredited zoos and aquariums.
To achieve recertification, San Antonio Zoo completed a comprehensive pre-audit process and underwent an on-site evaluation conducted by independent animal welfare experts. The assessment reviewed species-specific standards related to animal health, nutrition, enrichment, environmental quality, housing, social groupings, and staff training to help ensure both the physical and psychological wellbeing of animals under the zoo’s care.
“Animal welfare is foundational to everything we do,” said Tim Morrow, President and CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “Earning American Humane Certified™ status again reflects the extraordinary dedication of our animal care team and the culture of accountability we have built across the zoo. We continually evaluate our practices to ensure the animals in our care are thriving, and this certification reinforces our commitment to leading with integrity and science.”
San Antonio Zoo noted that it became the first zoological facility in the world in 2017 to simultaneously hold accreditation from both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Zoological Association of America while also earning Humane Certified™ recognition from American Humane Society.
In 2025, the zoo also received accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association, further adding to its list of certifications and inspections.
“We are proud to continue recognizing the San Antonio Zoo as a Humane Certified facility,” said Robin Ganzert. “Zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks around the world play an important role in the animal welfare movement, and this recertification further signifies San Antonio Zoo as a leader in animal care and conservation.”
American Humane Society is widely known for overseeing the “No Animals Were Harmed®” program in film and television productions. Its zoo and aquarium certification program evaluates facilities through detailed inspections, staff interviews, and operational reviews to independently verify humane animal care practices.
San Antonio Zoo officials said their animal care teams collaborate across veterinary medicine, behavioral enrichment, conservation, nutrition, and education to continuously improve welfare standards and support animal wellbeing throughout the organization.
