International Animal Exchange in Royal Oak, Michigan

Certified through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA,) the International Animal Exchange, located at 25600 Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak, Michigan, is the world's largest animal supplier, specializing in antelopes, giraffes, rhinos and zebras. Services provided through the business include permit processing, crating, import and export quarantining, animal mortality and shipping insurance and facilitating road and commercial air transport of animals across the globe, in many cases arranging for travel discounts through most airlines.

Some of the company's specializations include assisting with exhibit design, providing experienced animal attendants to offer the best animal care and veterinary, curator, and animal staffing and consultation, as well as animal acquisition and placement services. The organization also provides zoos, parks and aquariums with temporary staffing.

As a certified organization through the AZA, a thorough investigation of the company's animal care standards, veterinary and curator services, conservation efforts and safety practices was conducted. To maintain this critical certification and membership, the exchange must go through the investigation and certification process every five years. An important component of passing the certification process, agencies must prove to the AZA that they are making every effort to meet rising care standards, which include professionalism and ethics.

Founded in 1960 by brothers Brian, Don, Mickey and Tom Hunt, the business was started to serve the zoological community. Many zoos, parks and aquariums in North America, as well as several governments, depend on the supplier for worldwide relocation efforts of captive-bred animals.

The exchange takes pride in positively impacting the lives of community members and visitors, by furthering its wildlife conservation and education efforts. It imposes upon its team of professionals the highest industry standards, through self-evaluation, on-site inspections and peer review initiatives. Animals' living environments and daily enrichment activities, as well as keeper training programs to ensure safety for animals and staff, are top priorities for the company, which also deems financial stability and risk management as essential.

While the chief mission is providing safe, quality domestic and international transportation for a variety of animals, the exchange also hosts special events and activities for visitors throughout the year as part of its commitment to science and the conservation of wildlife.

For a half century, the exchange has provided expertise in finding homes for birds and animals at zoos, parks and aquariums around the world. It has worked closely with organizations to meet their needs to fill collections. As a member of the AZA, as well as the Conservation Breeding Specialists Group, which assists in the conservation of threatened plant and animal species, AATA International, an environmental consultancy and problem solving agency, and many other organizations around the world, the company takes its standing as a worldwide, industry leader very seriously.