Wildlife Safari Loses AZA Accreditation, Seeks Return
Families planning Missouri animal park visits should check current accreditation status before booking a trip.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Wildlife
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Wildlife Safari was not granted continued accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the organization's board statement said on Monday. The park is now participating in AZA's Pathway Toward Membership Program while it works to earn accreditation again.
Why it matters
Accreditation is a signal families use when judging how a zoo or safari park cares for its animals and operates. Losing it means the park must show progress through an outside review process before it can regain that standing.
Wildlife Safari did not receive continued AZA accreditation and has entered the Pathway Toward Membership Program. Its board issued the statement on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The players
Wildlife Safari
A Missouri safari park known for drive-through animal viewing, now working to regain its AZA accreditation.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
The national accrediting body that sets standards for animal care, welfare, and conservation at member zoos and aquariums.
Pat Markham
Chairman of the Board of Directors at Wildlife Safari.
Dr. Benji Alcantar
Lead veterinarian at Wildlife Safari responsible for animal health care at the park.
The details
AZA accreditation is granted after a review of animal welfare, veterinary care, and operations. Wildlife Safari says it is working with AZA and using the association's resources and guidance to strengthen operations and prepare for future accreditation. The park has begun implementing improvements identified during the review, and its leadership says it is committed to making the necessary changes and earning accreditation again.
Timeline
Monday, November 2, 2026: Wildlife Safari released its statement on the accreditation decision.
The Home Front
Accreditation programs such as AZA's set the professional standards that tell visitors which animal attractions meet recognized care benchmarks. A loss of accreditation is a public marker that a facility must address before regaining that standing.
If you plan to visit Wildlife Safari, check the park's current status and official announcements before you go. Families planning wildlife outings can also compare accredited facilities through AZA's public directory.
The takeaway
Accreditation status is a useful check when choosing where to take children to see animals. Keep an eye on whether a facility is in AZA's Pathway Toward Membership Program, since that signals it is working to meet standards.
Further reading
For more on animal attractions and conservation, browse our Wildlife coverage.
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