Summary of Applying for AZA Re-Accreditation – Brevard Zoo:
The content discusses the process of re-accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA accreditation is required for every zoo and aquarium every five years and sets them apart as animal welfare and conservation leaders. The re-accreditation process involves submitting a detailed application covering various aspects of running a zoo, followed by a multi-day inspection by a team selected by AZA, and finally, an in-person hearing in front of the Accreditation Commission. The inspection team reviews the application and asks questions before visiting the zoo. The inspection covers animal care, veterinary care, conservation, education, finance, governing authority, physical facilities, and safety and security. The team may also have their questions and areas of focus. The zoo staff prepares for the inspection by ensuring they are knowledgeable about all aspects of the zoo and addressing any concerns identified during the inspection. The zoo aims to maintain its AZA accreditation, which signifies its commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
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Applying for AZA Re-Accreditation – Brevard Zoo
As a zoo enthusiast, you may not know the extensive process of maintaining accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Re-accreditation is vital to running a zoo, ensuring that high standards are maintained for animal welfare, conservation efforts, education, and safety. This blog article will delve into the unique and fascinating aspects of applying for AZA re-accreditation at Brevard Zoo.
AZA accreditation sets zoos apart as leaders in the industry, signifying their commitment to animal wellbeing and conservation. While non-AZA facilities aren’t automatically “bad,” accreditation provides guests with a safeguard, indicating that the zoo prioritizes the highest standards in the field. All AZA-accredited facilities must participate in conservation efforts, which allows them to have a broader impact in protecting the natural world. As an AZA-accredited facility, Brevard Zoo is actively involved in AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. These initiatives focus on maintaining healthy and genetically diverse animal populations within zoos and support threatened and endangered species in their natural habitats.
One of the primary components of the re-accreditation process is the application. Brevard Zoo’s animal care team has been working diligently on the written application since January. The comprehensive application covers various categories such as animal care, veterinary care, conservation, education, finance, governing authority, physical facilities, and safety and security. It is essential to portray all the work, improvements, and successes in the application, which can be challenging when limited to a document. The questions range from basic to in-depth inquiries, and supporting documentation is required to validate the zoo’s responses. The application also includes a new section on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI), reflecting the increasing importance of these factors in the zoo industry.
The inspection phase follows the application review. The inspection team, composed of professionals from other facilities, including a veterinarian and an animal manager, visits Brevard Zoo between October and January. This inspection is not a surprise since the team reviews the zoo’s current and previous applications beforehand. The team can choose specific areas of the zoo they want to focus on and may have additional questions or requests for information. Various departments within the zoo, including animal care, herps & aquatics, and senior staff, will have meetings with the inspectors. This comprehensive inspection covers all zoo running aspects, from animal care protocols to emergency procedures.
Preparing for the inspection is a year-long process for Brevard Zoo. The staff undergoes training and quizzes to ensure they are familiar with the potential questions from the inspectors. Walkthroughs are conducted to identify areas needing improvement, such as debris or clutter. The zoo’s dedication to maintaining high standards is evident during the AZA accreditation process and throughout the year, as they uphold the guidelines set by various regulatory bodies.
By April 2024, Brevard Zoo hopes to secure its re-accreditation status, marking 27 years as an AZA-accredited zoo. As one of only 238 zoos and aquariums in the United States with this prestigious accreditation, Brevard Zoo remains committed to working with other high-caliber institutions to save species and significantly impact animal conservation.
Whether you are a visitor, supporter, or simply interested in learning more about the AZA re-accreditation process, Brevard Zoo’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in zookeeping, animal welfare, and conservation is worthy of recognition. Tune into their podcast, Paws for a Moment, to delve deeper into the fascinating world of zoos, conservation, and wildlife preservation.
