The Santa Barbara Zoo has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) independent Accreditation Commission.

Each application was evaluated by the independent Accreditation Commission and determined to meet AZA’s standards for animal well-being, care and management.
 
“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at the Santa Barbara Zoo for attaining the global gold standard in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president/CEO of the AZA.

Tamur, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s Amur leopard, looks out from its perch on a rock. (Courtesy photo)
Tamur, an Amur leopard, looks out from its perch at the Santa Barbara Zoo. (Courtesy photo)

“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. Santa Barbara Zoo has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care,” Ashe said.
 
AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals.

The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and well-being; veterinary care; staff training; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services.

Reports from the inspection team and the facility are evaluated by the Accreditation Commission, which then interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing.

Accreditation is then fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.
 
“A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards,” the zoo reports.

As a condition of association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

“It is a tremendous honor for the Santa Barbara Zoo to remain a part of the AZA community,” said Charles Hopper, president/CEO of Santa Barbara Zoo.
“AZA sets the highest standards for zoos and aquariums.

“Earning accreditation for another five years is a milestone we are very proud of. This recognition reflects the passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment of our entire team in maintaining a world-class zoo.

“Achieving AZA accreditation is a major accomplishment and represents the gold standard in our profession.”

There are 240 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facility members in 12 countries. For a list of accredited AZA facilities, visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.