Abilene Zoo receives AZA accreditation
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)— The Abilene Zoo has once again received prestigious accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
During the AZA’s Mid-Year Meeting, the commission reviewed 31 applicants, 28 of which were granted accreditation.
“Congratulations to the staff at Abilene Zoo for achieving the world’s ‘gold standard’ for the zoological and aquarium profession,” said Dan Ashe, AZA’s president and chief executive officer. “AZA’s standards continually evolve to reflect best practices in animal care and wellbeing, veterinary care, conservation, scientific advancement, and safety and security, among other things. With this assurance, the public can trust that the animals at Abilene Zoo receive the highest level of care and wellbeing, and there is a deep commitment to their conservation in the wild.”
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Institutions that wish to receive this honor must first submit a detailed application. If the application is accepted, a team of zoological professionals conducts a thorough on-site inspection that lasts multiple days. The team assesses every aspect of the facility’s operation, including animal welfare and wellbeing, veterinary care, staff training, safety for visitors, staff, and animals, educational programs, conservation efforts, financial stability, risk management, governance, and guest services.
The commission assesses inspection reports and conducts formal hearings with officials to grant fully, provisionally grant for one year, or deny accreditation.
Institutions like the Abilene Zoo must complete this process every five years to ensure the facility is up to date with standards.
“Abilene Zoo received its initial accreditation from AZA in 1985, and we are honored to continue this legacy,” stated Abilene Zoo Director Jesse Pottebaum. “The Zoo team works hard every day to ensure we uphold the highest standards in animal care and wellbeing and remain a great place for our community to gather and learn about wildlife and conservation. We are deeply grateful for the community’s ongoing support that makes it all possible.”
Abilene Zoo receives AZA accreditation
The Abilene Zoo is one of 236 AZA-accredited institutions across the United States and 12 other countries.
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