We the petitioners recognize the critical mission of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in maintaining the highest standards of animal care among its members. The AZA states: "10.3.3. All animal enclosures (exhibits, holding areas, hospital, and quarantine/isolation) must be of a size and complexity sufficient to provide for the animal’s physical, social, and psychological well-being." There is a 27-page section in The Accreditation Standards and Related Policies, 2015 edition, titled “AZA Standards for Elephant Management and Care." Yet the AZA has no Animal Care Manual specific to Orcinus Orca. Orcas in natural habitats range continuously over a hundred miles each 24 hours as members of large and complex communities comprised of extended families. Captivity of orcas at marine theme parks is inconsistent with AZA standards and show performances undermine the AZA's educational standards. The AZA needs to protect its integrity by employing standards consistently, subject to transparency, and traceable to independent recognized authority.

Full text of petition here: http://www.orcanetwork.org/Main/index.php?categories_file=AZA%20petition