The membership of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has elected John Linehan, President and CEO of Zoo New England, to its Ethics Board.

“AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums will benefit from John’s thoughtful leadership and extensive experience,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “The entire AZA community recognizes John’s commitment to the highest ethical standards in the zoo and aquarium profession.” The nine-member AZA Ethics Board is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the Association’s Code of Professional Ethics, which set high standards of conduct for the zoo and aquarium profession.

For the past 12 years, John has served as the President & CEO of Zoo New England, which manages the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and the Walter D. Stone Memorial Zoo in Stoneham, Mass. Since receiving his undergraduate degree in wildlife management 33 years ago, he has worked to take these two zoos from non-accredited institutions to accredited facilities and growing places that achieve mission on an ever-increasing basis. Due to his passion for animals, he spent many years in various positions in animal care and management. He has been an active member of AZA for nearly this entire tenure. Currently, he serves on the Honors & Awards Committee, and has also been a member and Chair of the Membership Committee, on accreditation inspection teams and on Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Management Groups.

About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and six other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world.