ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — The North Carolina Zoo has received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, maintaining its status among fewer than 10% of zoos and aquariums worldwide that meet AZA standards.
The Zoo earned the honor following a rigorous on-site inspection earlier this year. Accreditation must be renewed every five years, with the Zoo now holding continuous AZA accreditation for more than 37 years.
“The AZA has continuously accredited the North Carolina Zoo for more than 37 years, demonstrating the Zoo’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare and veterinary care, conservation, education, and guest experience,” said Jeff Michael, deputy secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “We’re proud our state’s zoo is recognized as a leader in animal care and conservation.”
The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a multi-day on-site inspection by an independent team of trained zoological professionals. Inspectors evaluate all aspects of facility operations, including animal welfare, veterinary care, keeper training, safety protocols, educational programs, conservation efforts, financial stability, risk management and guest services.
Zoo Director and CEO Pat Simmons credited the entire staff for the achievement.
“The North Carolina Zoo is a wonderful place to explore nature and with the AZA accreditation, guests can be assured they are supporting a world-class operation that puts animal care and conservation as its highest priorities,” Simmons said.
Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the AZA, said the accreditation standards continue to evolve.
“The process to receive AZA accreditation is rigorous and continues to include ever-increasing standards to ensure that the animals’ best interests are always first and foremost,” Ashe said.
There are currently 242 AZA-accredited facilities and 14 AZA-certified related facility members throughout the U.S. and 12 other countries. For a complete list of accredited facilities, visit aza.org/current-accreditation-list.
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