- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- ConservationEnvironmentWildlife
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June
- Holiday emoji:
- 🦒
National Zoo and Aquarium Month is celebrated annually throughout June, honoring the vital role these institutions play in animal conservation and research. It’s a perfect time to visit your local zoo or aquarium, explore their educational programs, and support their ongoing efforts to protect species and habitats.
Want to sponsor National Zoo and Aquarium Month? Learn how
Expected National Zoo and Aquarium Month Deals
Throughout National Zoo and Aquarium Month, many institutions offer special membership drives, discounted admission for educational groups, and enhanced fundraising campaigns. While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows organizations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and local zoos often partner with commercial brands like Petco for donation matching programs. Look for special events and behind-the-scenes tours at facilities run by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and initiatives as June approaches.
Platform Guide for National Zoo and Aquarium Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalZooAndAquariumMonth. Share stunning photos and videos of your favorite animals or behind-the-scenes glimpses of conservation work.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalZooAndAquariumMonth. Share educational posts about endangered species or local zoo/aquarium events to engage your community.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalZooAndAquariumMonth. Tweet interesting facts about wildlife, share conservation news, or highlight your favorite zoo/aquarium experiences.
National Zoo and Aquarium Month Hero
Jacques Cousteau
History of National Zoo and Aquarium Month
The first zoo in America was the Philadelphia Zoo that opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1874. It is still one of the most important facilities for endangered animals and their breeding.
The New York Zoological Society was established in 1895. There was a time when three popular zoos, namely Prospect Park, Central Park, and Queens zoo, were operated by the Parks Department. But in the 1980s, after capital restorations were undertaken, the Wildlife Conservation Society took up management. It was in 1993 that the name ‘Wildlife Conservation Center’ came into being, to better represent the goals of the institution.
A major change came in the 1930s when local zoos started receiving financial aid via various federal relief programs. The Works Progress Administration and other such agencies contributed a lot towards the renovation, construction, and expansion of zoos, especially during the time of the Great Depression when local budgets were drastically reduced.
In the 1960s, the operation of the zoos shifted to a public-private partnership due to two reasons: first, the early zoos of the 1930s became outdated and appeared primitive and, second, park administrators had to move scarce resources to meet the basic needs of a more expanded zoo system. With time, even the zoo-going public adjusted to the fact that the zoo was more than just there for them to gawk at animals — it was about conservation and creating a learning experience.
In 1982, President Ronald Reagan finally dedicated the month of June to zoos and aquariums as a way to showcase their importance in the conservation of animals and marine life.
National Zoo and Aquarium Month timeline
The Pennsylvania State Legislature votes for the establishment of the Philadelphia Zoological Society with physician William Camac as its president.
“The New York Aquarium Journal,” the world’s first aquarium magazine, is published.
Marineland, the world’s first large oceanarium (saltwater aquarium), is completed near St. Augustine, Florida.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium opens, which becomes the first to showcase a living kelp forest and has more than 35,000 animals and fish representing over 550 species.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Zoo and Aquarium Month
Local businesses can honor National Zoo and Aquarium Month by supporting conservation efforts and educating their customers. Restaurants could offer a ‘Wildlife Special’ with a portion of proceeds donated to a local zoo or aquarium. Retailers might host a ‘Conservation Corner’ featuring products from brands committed to sustainability or animal welfare, such as Patagonia, and provide educational flyers. Even service-based businesses can share facts about local wildlife or promote volunteer opportunities at nearby animal institutions, fostering community engagement and environmental awareness.
National Zoo and Aquarium Month FAQs
When is National Zoo and Aquarium Month?
National Zoo and Aquarium Month runs throughout June 2026, celebrating the vital contributions of these institutions to conservation and education. It’s a prime opportunity to engage with wildlife.
How many accredited zoos and aquariums are in the U.S.?
As of 2026, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredits over 230 facilities across the United States. These institutions adhere to rigorous standards for animal care, conservation, and education.
What role do zoos and aquariums play in species conservation?
Zoos and aquariums are crucial to species conservation through breeding programs for endangered animals, scientific research, and public education. They also serve as rescue and rehabilitation centers for injured wildlife.
What distinguishes an accredited zoo or aquarium?
Accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) signifies that a facility meets the highest standards in animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education, and safety. This rigorous process ensures ethical operation.
How To Observe National Zoo and Aquarium Month
Find out about your local wildlife park
Learn about the conservation practices at your local wildlife park(s). If there are any endangered species, find out more about them.
Look up rehabilitation programs
Check out the rehabilitation programs in your area and find out how vets and zoologists help injured animals and fish return to their homes in the jungle or ocean.
Donate for your favorite creature
Many animal welfare programs offer ways to help support wildlife. Some even allow you to donate for your favorite animal or fish, especially the endangered ones.
5 Facts About Zoos And Aquariums That You Didn’t Know
Zoo crowd
175 million people visit zoos and aquariums in America annually and the San Diego Zoo leads the way with 3,200,000 yearly visitors.
Many zoos
The United States of America boasts a total of 355 zoos in total.
Oldest surviving American zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is America’s oldest operating zoo — it has been going since July 1, 1874.
Largest American zoo
The Red McCombs Wildlife establishment is the largest zoo in America, which boasts 5,000 hectares of land.
The largest aquarium in America
The largest aquarium in America is the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, which has more than 10 million gallons of water and more aquatic life than any other U.S. aquarium.
Why National Zoo and Aquarium Month is Important
It promotes knowledge about animals and fish
National Zoo and Aquarium Month promotes knowledge about different animals and fish. It is a way to make people more aware of their role in the circle of life.
It promotes conservation
National Zoo and Aquarium Month stresses the importance of the conservation of endangered animals and fish. It encourages contributions to this cause.
It encourages people to visit them
National Zoo and Aquarium Month encourages people to visit zoos and aquariums and come face to face with animals and fish. It is an educational experience that helps people learn more about them.
Social Media Tips for National Zoo and Aquarium Month
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