Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens was granted reaccreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) independent Accreditation Commission, according to an announcement on Apr. 2. The zoo has maintained AZA accreditation since 1987, reflecting a longstanding commitment to animal care, conservation, education, and guest experience.
The reaccreditation is significant because it recognizes the zoo’s efforts to meet evolving standards for animal wellbeing and facility management. Accreditation from AZA is considered a benchmark for excellence in the zoological profession.
Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, said: “Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation. 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. Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”
The process for accreditation includes a detailed application followed by an on-site inspection conducted over several days by an independent team of zoological professionals. This team reviews all aspects of operations including veterinary care, staff training, educational programs, conservation initiatives, financial stability, risk management, governance practices, as well as guest services. The results are evaluated by the Accreditation Commission before final interviews with top officials from each facility.
Dr. Jeff Ettling, President and CEO of Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens said: “Maintaining AZA accreditation since 1987 is a point of great pride for our organization and is a powerful affirmation of the work our team does every day to provide exceptional care for animals and advance meaningful conservation efforts. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to animal wellbeing, scientific excellence, and inspiring our community to protect wildlife and wild places.”
There are currently 240 AZA-accredited institutions along with 14 related facility members across 12 countries worldwide. Each accredited institution must undergo this rigorous review every five years.
