In 1966, Congress adopted the federal Animal Welfare Act (“AWA”), which for the first time regulated captive wild animals used for exhibition in zoos, aquariums, and circuses.

In 1966, Congress adopted the federal Animal Welfare Act (“AWA”), which for the first time regulated captive wild animals used for exhibition in zoos, aquariums, and circuses.

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are committeed to high-standards of animal care and welfare. Science, research and collaboration can improve how AZA facilities care for animals, and the Animal Welfare Committee’s new strategic plan paves the way.

Investigative and Enforcement Services (IES), USDA APHIS, available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/business-services/ies. New investigations into captive-animal welfare and safety issues dropped by 92 percent between 2016 and 2018, from 239 to just 19.

The law, adopted by Congress in 1966, protects so-called “warm-blooded” animals who are bred for commercial sale, used in research, transported commercially or publicly exhibited, like in a zoo or circus. Tigers, lions, elephants, bears and nonhuman primates are all included in this law.