Zoos, just like any other industry, are subject to regulations and inspections. Most facilities that houses animals in a captive setting, from research labs to rehab centers, must be licensed by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). USDA is primarily concerned with animal housing conditions; are the enclosures big enough? Are they clean? Is food prep handled in a safe and appropriate manner? USDA covers the basics of animal care. All zoos in this country are inspected by USDA on an annual basis. But an elite group of zoos have an additional certification. Only 10% of the 2,400 animal exhibitors licensed in the US also have AZA Accreditation.
The American Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a non-profit organization dedicated to collaboration and high standards for zoos and aquariums in the US. Zoos that are accredited by the AZA are guaranteed to meet or exceed the industry standards for animal care. What this means to zoo visitors is that you can be sure the animals you see at the zoo have the best possible lives captive animals can have.
The accreditation process includes a lengthy application and a multi-day on-site inspection of the zoo. The Accreditation Commission consists of 12 experts in the zoo field, with many years of experience in animal health, education, and zoo management. They look at every aspect of a good zoo. Obviously animal care is the top priority, including living areas, holding areas, social groupings, healthcare and nutrition. There must also be a strong enrichment program in place to stimulate the animals mentally and provide opportunities for them to exhibit natural behaviors and problem-solving skills. But an AZA inspection doesn’t only cover animal care.
Because good animal care needs a strong foundation, AZA looks at everything related to the zoo. Conservation and research, education, safety procedures, security, facilities, guest services, handicap access, signage, staff education and institution finances are all under scrutiny. AZA also looks at the zoo’s governing body, support institutions, and community support. The candidate zoo sends in a lengthy application that can take months to complete, with records, lists and reports. The application takes six months to evaluate, and then a team of experts spends several days touring the zoo. Each group of inspectors consists of at least one veterinarian, plus management and animal care experts. After they submit their detailed report, the Commission meets to evaluate all the information and decide whether or not to grant accreditation.
Because the standards of what makes a “good zoo” is constantly evolving, zoos are required to go through accreditation every five years. It is possible to loose accreditation if the institution does not meet all the latest standards. The process is grueling; every building, storage area, and public areas must be gone over with a fine-tooth comb and all issues resolved. All classes, programs, and policies must be evaluated for updates, finances must be assessed, future plans outlined. Inspectors open closets and check freezers, and quiz new employees about protocols.
What does this mean to average zoo visitors? Why should they care?
If your local zoo is AZA accredited, you can be assured that it is a “good” zoo. You know the animals are getting good quality food, mental stimulation, and progressive training techniques. They are getting top vet care. You can also count on the fact that the building are in good repair, and that the institution is actively participating in conservation of species in the wild. An AZA accredited zoo will also have good visitor facilities such as bathrooms, food stands and handicap access to exhibits. The zoo will have an education program aimed at informing guests about the animals and their wild counterparts.
How do you find out if your local zoo is AZA accredited? The best place to look is right at the front gate. Accredited zoos will have the AZA logo prominently displayed on signs or window stickers. The zoo’s website will promote the fact that they are AZA accredited. You can also look on the AZA website, which will have a list of all accredited institution with addresses and links to websites. You shouldn’t have to look far; zoos are proud of their accreditation.
So, is a zoo that is not AZA accredited a “bad” zoo?
Not necessarily. While AZA accreditation is an easy way to judge the quality of a zoo, there are many great institutions out there that are not accredited for one reason or another. Since the accreditation process looks at lots of things other than animal care, a zoo may still be caring for their animals at a high standard but are unwilling or unable to reach accreditation in other areas. They could include education, conservation, or something as arbitrary as number of bathrooms or handicap access to certain park areas. Look at the zoo critically. Are social animals like monkeys able to live in a group? Do big cats have places to lay down and walk, and things to scratch? Do the grounds look as if they are well-maintained? If you are uncertain about a zoo, try to find a keeper and ask some questions. Do the animals get enrichment? Do they train the animals? What happens if an animal gets sick? The answers you get can help you determine if the zoo is doing all the right things.
An average zoo visitor should be a smart consumer. A trip to the zoo is a business transaction, and you want to make sure your money is supporting a good organization. Look for the AZA logo at your local zoo, and you will be supporting the best of the best in the zoo world!
Sources: American Association of Zoos and Aquariums website
http://www.aza.org/becoming-accredited/
