Woodland Park Zoo granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Accreditation Commission for the seventh consecutive time

SEATTLE, 2014-9-17 — /Travel PR News/ — Woodland Park Zoo has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ (AZA) Accreditation Commission, marking the seventh consecutive time for the zoo. Accreditation was announced Saturday, September 13 during AZA’s national conference held in Orlando, Florida.

“Only zoos and aquariums that meet the highest standards are accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “The community should take great pride in knowing that Woodland Park Zoo is a proven leader in the care and conservation of wildlife, and in inspiring people to take action to protect the natural world.”

To be accredited, Woodland Park Zoo underwent a thorough review to ensure it has and will continue to meet rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.

“The accreditation is a testament to our commitment to providing exemplary animal care, driving local and global wildlife conservation efforts, furthering science-based learning within our community, and inspiring our annual 1.2 million visitors to ensure a future for wildlife,”said Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO Dr. Deborah Jensen.

The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation, including animal care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and other areas. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied. Any institution that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.

For more information on AZA accreditation, please visit www.aza.org.

Media contact: Gigi Allianic, Caileigh Robertson
206.548.2550 | woodlandparkzoopr@zoo.org

###