Is the Lemur Conservation Foundation an AZA-accredited facility?

Updated

Yes. The Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) describes itself as an AZA facility protecting lemurs and their habitat. That means it is part of the network of institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a US-based nonprofit that sets standards for animal care, welfare, conservation, and public education at zoos and aquariums.

What the AZA label signals

AZA accreditation is a peer-review process. Facilities apply, are inspected, and are measured against published standards covering animal husbandry, veterinary care, staffing, safety, conservation work, and educational programming. Accreditation is not permanent — it is typically reviewed on a recurring cycle, so a facility must keep meeting the standards to stay listed.

For a visitor or donor, the practical takeaway is that an AZA-accredited facility has been independently evaluated on animal care and conservation criteria, rather than only self-reporting them.

How this connects to LCF's lemur work

LCF's stated mission is the preservation of Madagascar's primates through three pillars it lists on its site:

  • Managed breeding — maintaining lemur populations under human care
  • Scientific research — studying lemur biology and behavior
  • Education — public and community programming

Its work spans two locations, Florida and Madagascar, which matches the AZA framing of conservation that combines on-site animal care with field and habitat protection.

What to check if accreditation status matters to you

Accreditation status can change, and the AZA listing is the authoritative source. If you are deciding whether to visit, volunteer, or donate, verify in this order:

  1. Search the facility name in the AZA's official accredited-facility directory.
  2. Confirm the specific location or program you care about is covered — accreditation applies to a facility, not automatically to every project it runs abroad.
  3. Cross-check the organization's own site for current conservation programs and where they operate.

LCF's site also notes it is celebrating its 30th anniversary and offers a virtual tour, which is a low-commitment way to see the Florida facility before deciding whether to engage further.