Oakland Zoo Achieves Esteemed AZA Accreditation

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Silver Spring, Maryland (4/15/2019) – The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) has announced that the Oakland Zoo, governed by the Conservation Society of California, was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.

“Only the very best zoos and aquariums can meet AZA’s accreditation standards for animal care and conservation, which are universally acknowledged as the ‘gold-standard’ within the zoological profession,” said AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe. “By achieving accreditation, Oakland Zoo demonstrates a commitment to protecting animals around the world and inspiring their guests to do the same.”

To be accredited, the Oakland Zoo underwent a thorough review to make certain it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards in categories which include animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.  

The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation, including animal care and welfare; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and more. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied.  Any institution that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.

"Being AZA-accredited for over three decades is a testament to our commitment to animal care, conservation, and education. Our ongoing efforts in these areas, both here at Oakland Zoo and around the world, is central to our core as an organization,” said Dr. Joel Parrott, President and CEO of Oakland Zoo / Conservation Society of California.

Oakland Zoo has been an accredited AZA member since 1988.

About AZA

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and eight other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

ABOUT OAKLAND ZOO AND THE CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA:

Oakland Zoo, home to more than 850+ native and exotic animals, is managed by the Conservation Society of California (CSC); a non-profit organization leading an informed and inspired community to take action for wildlife locally and globally. With over 25 conservation partners and projects worldwide, the CSC is committed to conservation-based education and saving species and their habitats in the wild. Oakland Zoo is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the national organization that sets the highest standards for animal welfare for zoos and aquariums.

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Please contact Erin Harrison at Oakland Zoo / Conservation Society of California at 510-746-7120 for additional information about the facility, including special events and activities for visitors and its ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and science education.

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