The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) announced that the Texas State Aquarium was granted accreditation by AZA’s Independent Accreditation Commission. The Texas State Aquarium was first accredited by the AZA in 1995 and has maintained continuous AZA accreditation since that time.
Getting AZA accreditation is rigorous, and the standards continue to evolve, ensuring animal welfare remains at the forefront of our process,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of AZA. “Our standards are comprehensive, and our process is thorough, objective, and independent, with membership measured against a commitment to meeting the “gold standard” for a modern zoological facility. We are proud to welcome these exceptional zoos, aquariums, and related facilities as AZA members.”
To be accredited, the Texas State Aquarium underwent a thorough review to ensure it has and will continue to meet AZA standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years 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; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and other areas. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied.
“An inspection this clean is rare and is a tremendous achievement,” said Jesse Gilbert, Texas State Aquarium President, and CEO. “These results reflect the hard work and dedication to the Aquarium’s mission and wildlife rescue operations.”
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 seven 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. Through AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction, AZA-accredited facilities are collectively working to use their conservation science, wildlife expertise, and the 183 million visitors to save species in the wild by identifying threats, and developing action plans, raising new resources, and engaging the public. To learn more, visit http://www.aza.org.
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