Dane County’s Henry Vilas Zoo Receives AZA’s Half Century Award

September 17, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive, Henry Vilas Zoo

DANE COUNTY - Dane County’s Henry Vilas Zoo is proud to announce that it has received the Half Century Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), recognizing the zoo’s achievement of 50 consecutive years of AZA accreditation. 

The milestone represents five decades of commitment to the highest standards of animal care, conservation, education, safety, and organizational excellence. More than an award, the recognition celebrates the dedication of generations of staff, volunteers, leadership, and supporters who have worked together to uphold those standards year after year. 

Note: pictured in the attached (L to R): Supervisor Chuck Erickson, County Board Chair Patrick Miles, County Executive Melissa Agard, Interim Zoo Director Janine Wachter

“Fifty years of continuous accreditation is an extraordinary accomplishment that belongs to our entire community,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “From animal care staff, to education, maintenance, guest services, and countless others, this achievement reflects the work of people across every corner of our organization. Each department plays an essential role in creating a zoo that cam meet the rigorous standards of AZA accreditation.”

AZA accreditation is a rigorous process that institutions must go through every five years. It demonstrates a commitment to professional standards across multiple areas including animal welfare, conservation, education, and guest experiences. Maintaining accreditation for half a century demonstrates a sustained institutional commitment to improvement. That commitment has been carried forward by generations of employees whose roles all look very different, but whose work shares a common purpose to provide exception care for the animals who call this zoo home, and to connect people with wildlife so that everyone can feel empowered to contribute to conservation for years to come. 

 

“An accomplishment like this doesn’t happen in a year, and it certainly doesn’t happen because of one person,” said Zoo Director Janine Wachter. “This is a result of thousands of individual contributions over 50 years. Every person who cared for an animal, taught a child, welcomed a guest, repaired a facility, and kept the zoo safe has been part of this story.”

 

The Half Century Award is a tremendous legacy and a commitment to keep learning, improving, and working together for the animals who live here and the wild places they represent. Henry Vilas Zoo joins just a handful of AZA-accredited institutions in the country to receive this recognition. 

 

Henry Vilas Zoo, established more than 100 years ago, is one of just a few free-admission zoos in the United States. The Zoo is dedicated to exceptional animal care, conserving wildlife through local engagement and global partnerships, and providing the community with education and valuable experiences with the natural world. For more information, visit http://www.henryvilaszoo.gov.