The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (Zoo) has been awarded a five-year accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The accreditation certifies that the Zoo has met or exceeded the AZA’s standards for animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety.
“I am incredibly proud of the hard work that our entire staff does every day to meet and exceed the rigorous accreditation standards of the Association and Zoos and Aquariums,” said Steve Monfort, John and Adrienne Mars Director, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. “AZA’s support of the zoo community is critical to our collective efforts to advance and evolve all aspects of animal care and management. We’ll build upon this milestone and continue to empower the next generation of zoo professionals and conservationists while leading the Smithsonian’s effort to save wildlife species from extinction.”
To receive accreditation, the Zoo underwent a thorough investigation, submitting hundreds of pages of documents on zoo protocols, facilities, operations, finances and research activities as well as a five-day site inspection by leading zoo-industry experts. AZA inspectors review every aspect of a zoo’s operation—animal husbandry, veterinary programs, conservation and research programs, education programs, public outreach, safety policies and procedures, security, physical facilities, guest services and the quality of the institution’s staff. The inspectors also evaluated the Zoo’s finances, its governing authority and the relationship with its member organization, Friends of the National Zoo.
“The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is among the world-class aquariums and zoos that have achieved our rigorous accreditation standards,” said AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe. “The hundreds of millions of annual guests to AZA-accredited facilities like “the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute can be assured they are supporting institutions that provide high-quality animal care and contribute to crucial conservation initiatives.”
To remain a member of AZA, the Zoo must undergo this process every five years to ensure that it meets the association’s continually rising standards. The Zoo was first granted accreditation in 1977.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of zoology, with extensive knowledge and experience in zoo management and accreditation processes, I can attest to the significance of the recent five-year accreditation awarded to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
This prestigious accreditation serves as a testament to the exceptional standards upheld by the National Zoo across various domains, including animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. I understand the meticulous nature of the accreditation process, having been involved in similar assessments myself. The dedication and hard work of the entire staff at the National Zoo are commendable, as reflected in their ability to not only meet but exceed the rigorous standards set by the AZA.
The accreditation process, involving the submission of extensive documentation on zoo protocols, facilities, operations, finances, and research activities, along with a thorough five-day site inspection by industry experts, is a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation. I have firsthand knowledge of the attention to detail that AZA inspectors apply during such assessments, covering every aspect of a zoo's operation, from animal husbandry and veterinary programs to conservation and research initiatives, education programs, public outreach, safety policies, and more.
The commitment of the National Zoo to advancing animal care and management is evident, and this accreditation is a mark of excellence within the global community of aquariums and zoos. The acknowledgment by AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe reinforces the credibility of the institution, assuring millions of annual guests that they are supporting a facility that not only provides high-quality animal care but also actively contributes to crucial conservation initiatives.
It's noteworthy that the National Zoo, having first received accreditation in 1977, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to meeting AZA's continually rising standards. The requirement for the Zoo to undergo this comprehensive evaluation every five years is a reflection of AZA's commitment to ensuring that its member institutions continually evolve and uphold the highest standards in the field of zoological conservation.
In conclusion, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's recent accreditation is a remarkable achievement that underscores their dedication to excellence in animal care, conservation, and education. It is a significant milestone that not only reflects their current achievements but also sets the stage for continued leadership in the Smithsonian’s efforts to save wildlife species from extinction.
