As we move through November, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous dedication and collaboration that have defined our AZA community's work this past year. Together, we've made meaningful progress advancing the AZA Elephant Strategy and deepening our collective response to the ongoing challenges of EEHV. These achievements reflect not only our shared expertise, but also our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and future of elephants in AZA.
As you read through the updates below, I hope you feel both pride in how far we've come and renewed motivation to continue this important work, ensuring that every elephant in our care has the opportunity to live a long, healthy, and thriving life.
A Critical New Chapter in Elephant Conservation
Drawing support from zoos across AZA, the Houston Zoo and Baylor College of Medicine will work to develop a vaccine that targets the two deadliest strains of EEHV affecting African elephant calves.
Houston Zoo, Baylor College of Medicine, and Dr. Paul Ling have led the charge in innovation, research, and fundraising, all in partnership with AZA facilities that have provided numerous samples and participated in vaccine trials for Asian Elephants. Now, AZA facilities will have the opportunity to support a new effort to expand this vital protection to African elephants.
This 4-year, $1.3 million initiative is focused on the creation and testing of vaccines for African elephants, with specific goals including preclinical testing, expansion of research capacity, and post-vaccination monitoring. Houston Zoo is seeking committed partners, within the AZA community and beyond, to help realize this ambitious but achievable goal. Look for upcoming communications from Houston Zoo CEO, Lisa Peterson, and COO, Lisa Marie Avendano.
AZA Standards for Elephant Management and Care
Earlier this year we hosted a webinar on the proposed revisions to the AZA Standards for Elephant Management and Care. I am excited that the standards were approved by the AZA Board of Directors at the Summer Board Meeting! The updated standards will be reflected in the 2026 edition of the Accreditation Standards and Related Policies. AZA will be hosting a panel discussion on November 18 at 12:30 PM (EDT) to walk attendees through the revisions to the Elephant Standards for Elephant Care and Management. Whether you're directly involved in elephant care or simply want to stay informed, we encourage all interested members to join this important conversation.
If interested, please register today on AZA Learn Accreditation Inspector Training
AZA is developing a pre-recorded training webinar for accreditation inspectors. This webinar will focus on how inspectors should evaluate institutional compliance with Standards for Elephant Management and Care. This webinar will be available on AZA Learn soon.
Long Range Planning
The Long-Range Elephant Strategic Planning Guide is a new resource in development to help AZA-accredited organizations clearly define the long-term direction, intent, and capacity of their elephant programs. It supports thoughtful, holistic, and forward-looking planning around purpose, population roles, space, staffing, and infrastructure.
The guide will roll out in early 2026 with a webinar and workshop planned next year to walk through the tool and answer questions. Stay tuned for more information.
Best regards,
Lisa New
CEO at Dallas Zoo &
Elephant Strategy Implementation Steering Committee Member