Atlanta – March 30, 2009 – On the heels of its 120th birthday, Zoo Atlanta was granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Independent Accreditation Commission.

To be accredited, Zoo Atlanta underwent a thorough investigation and onsite inspection to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process in order to become members and maintain membership by the Association. Members are required to resubmit to this process every five years. 

“I am proud that Zoo Atlanta has again earned this coveted accreditation; however, the visiting committee did express concerns that Zoo Atlanta’s highly regarded reptile and amphibian program and collection need to be housed in a new facility (Zoo Atlanta’s reptiles and amphibians are housed in a facility that was built in the 1960’s). The good news is, Zoo Atlanta is embarking on an exciting master plan and one of the first projects will be a new reptile and amphibian house,” said Dennis Kelly, Zoo Atlanta President and CEO.

“Zoo Atlanta has been awarded AZA accreditation because of its high standards in every aspect of its operations,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “Atlanta should be proud to have one of the top zoos in North America as a valuable community asset and economic engine.”

The mission of the AZA Accreditation Commission is to establish, uphold, and raise the highest zoological and aquarium industry standards through self-evaluation, on-site inspection, and peer review.  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 in areas such as animal care (including living environment and daily enrichment), keeper training, safety for animals, staff, and visitors, educational programs, conservation efforts, veterinary programs, financial stability, risk management, visitor services, and other areas. The inspection team prepares an extensive written report for the Accreditation Commission. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal Commission hearing, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied.  Any institution that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.

“Zoo Atlanta’s Board of Directors is proud of all the hard work done daily by the Zoo’s Staff and Volunteers. We are honored to be part of the Zoo Atlanta family,” said Mickey Brown, Georgia Power Executive Vice President Customer Service Organization and Chairman of Zoo Atlanta’s Board of Director.