Discovery Cove was granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) independent Accreditation Commission, according to an announcement made on Apr. 2. The commission determined that Discovery Cove met AZA’s standards for animal wellbeing, care, and management.
The AZA accreditation is recognized as a significant achievement in the zoo and aquarium industry, reflecting a facility’s commitment to high standards in animal care and operations. This recognition indicates that Discovery Cove adheres to practices that prioritize animal welfare while also focusing on education and conservation.
“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Discovery Cove for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core. Discovery Cove has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”
The process for AZA accreditation involves submitting a detailed application followed by an extensive multi-day on-site inspection conducted by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspection covers various aspects such as veterinary care, staff training, educational programs, conservation efforts, financial stability, risk management, governance, guest services as well as overall animal wellbeing. Reports from both inspectors and facility representatives are reviewed before top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing where final decisions about granting or denying accreditation are made.
Brad Gilmour, president of Discovery Cove said: “We are honored to receive continued accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums after having been first accredited 11 years ago, an achievement that underscores Discovery Cove’s commitment to excellence in animal care and conservation. This recognition belongs to our extraordinary team whose expertise and dedication ensures the well-being of every animal while delivering the immersive once-in-a-lifetime experiences our guests cherish. It’s a proud moment for all of us who are dedicated to making a positive impact through connection education and care.”
There are currently 240 AZA-accredited institutions along with 14 related facility members across 12 countries worldwide. Facilities must complete this rigorous process every five years as part of their membership requirement.
