Accreditation

The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) is an international association representing marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations.

It was founded in 1987 and established offices near Washington, DC, in 1992, when it was formally incorporated.

Collectively, the Alliance membership represents the greatest body of experience and knowledge about marine mammal care and husbandry.

The Alliance is the first and largest organization in the U.S. or abroad dedicated to the concerns and issues that affect the public display of marine mammals.

The most commonly exhibited species in Alliance member facilities are dolphins, belugas, killer whales, sea lions, and seals.

The Alliance administers a stringent accreditation process for its members.

Accredited members must uphold Alliance Standards and Guidelines to optimize the psychological and physical health of, and environmental conditions for, individual marine mammals under their care, and to maximize the educational and scientific value of their collections as a whole.