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The Best of the Best Continued

Above: No part of Brookfield Zoo will be off limits to AZA’s inspectors during their on-site visit,
including these behind-the-scenes areas at THE LIVING COAST.

prestigious professional organizations. Last fall, we passed our To ensure facilities are in compliance before licensing them,
recertification inspection by American Humane, the world’s the USDA conducts periodic and often unannounced inspections.
largest certifier of the welfare and humane treatment of animals Brookfield Zoo was last visited by a USDA inspector in May 2022
in working and other environments. The Humane Certified™ and received a clean inspection report—the best possible outcome.
seal provides assurance that a facility meets the highest standards
of animal care. American Humane’s team also offered many Is accreditation or certification
compliments on our excellent programs. by groups in the zoo and aquarium
We are proud of these accomplishments. However, many of industry required?
our members and visitors don’t know about them. Dr. Thomas
Meehan is vice president of Veterinary Services in Brookfield No. While USDA licensing is required by law, institutions can
Zoo’s Animal Health and Welfare department. He has led CZS/ elect to apply for accreditation or certification with professional
Brookfield Zoo’s successful accreditation process for many years. organizations such as AZA. An accreditation or certification
He has also participated as an inspector or team leader in involves a top-to-bottom audit, usually far more thorough and
50 AZA inspections of other facilities around the world. wide-ranging than any government audit. Zoos and aquariums
must meet or exceed the professional standards established by
an accrediting group. Brookfield Zoo has obtained multiple
How does the government accreditations and one certification from organizations that
regulate zoos and aquariums? are recognized leaders in their field. They are listed on page 37.
Zoos and aquariums must comply with government laws and
regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. “The state of Where do the standards come from?
Illinois has animal welfare laws that cover everything from pet Accreditation standards are established by independent leading
stores to zoos to dog breeders,” said Meehan. The United States experts and scientists in their respective fields. For example,
Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the federal agency tasked American Humane’s science-based standards for zoos, aquariums,
with enforcing the Animal Welfare Act, which regulates and conservation parks were developed by veterinarians and
the treatment of animals. The Act does not cover animals raised experts in the fields of exotic animal welfare, animal science,
for “food and fiber,” birds, reptiles, and amphibians. zoology, and ethics. AZA standards also include those devised by

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