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AZA inspectors are also concerned
The Best of the Best Continued
with guest safety and the guest experience
when examining zoo grounds. For example,
are there impenetrable barriers between
guests and animals, an adequate number
of bathroom facilities, no trip hazards,
easy access for people with disabilities,
and signage that identifies animals?
During their visit, inspectors will
interview our director and CEO, our
executive team, curators, veterinarians,
staff nutritionist, animal care specialists,
scientists, members of our Board, and
others. They will examine our many
record-keeping systems.

How do accreditations
from AZA and other
groups benefit the zoo?

“It’s helpful to have people outside of
our organization come in and give us
a third-party view of how we’re doing,”
said Meehan. Accreditations also:
• Enhance our credibility and assure
the public we meet or exceed industry
standards
• Promote professional recognition that
we meet or exceed industry standards
• Help us attract and retain high-quality
staff and provide staff with networking
Above: An animal care specialist prepares feed for the zoo’s Grevy’s zebras. The animals’ diet is formulated opportunities
by the Nutrition Services department and meets standards set by the USDA, American Humane, and AZA.
AZA membership, in particular, allows
CZS to be part of a network of accredited
CZS must also demonstrate involvement What happens during institutions that manage animals collective-
in AZA’s cooperative conservation an on-site inspection? ly. For example, Brookfield Zoo participates
programs—Species Survival Plans®, Taxon in AZA Species Survival Plans®, cooperative
Advisory Groups, Saving Animals From It depends on the accrediting group and population management and conservation
Extinction (SAFE) programs, and scientif- its focus. An on-site inspection takes place programs for select species of animals in
ic advisory groups. over the course of several days to a week. managed care. The program’s goals are
After the application is submitted, Auditors spend a lot of time observing to maximize genetic diversity through
a team of expert, independent auditors the animals and examining their habitats. selective breeding and to ensure animal
will conduct an on-site inspection and Do animals receive adequate water and populations are demographically stable
submit their findings to AZA’s Accredita- nutritious foods? Are their habitats kept and self-sustaining.
tion Commission, which consists of clean? Do they have access to shelter Most important of all, said Meehan,
15 experienced experts in animal welfare and shade outdoors? Are they kept “You benefit from the experience of
and husbandry, operations, and veterinary in appropriate social groupings for thousands of AZA members and the
medicine. Sometime this fall, CZS’s senior their species? Do any of them look ill thousands that came before them. Finances,
officials will meet with the Commission or injured? These are a small fraction human resources, education, conservation,
to answer their questions. of their concerns. and animal care—all benefit from the
experience of the collective membership.”

36 GATEWAYS | ACCREDITATION