Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has proudly maintained AZA accreditation since 1987.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has announced that Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens was granted reaccreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Each application was evaluated by the independent Accreditation Commission and determined to meet AZA's standards for animal wellbeing, care, and management.
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has been an accredited member of the AZA since 1987, and this latest reaccreditation reflects the Zoo’s continued commitment to meeting and exceeding the organization’s rigorous, evolving standards for animal care, conservation, education, and guest experience.
"Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president, and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “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. Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”
AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous 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 wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Accreditation Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is 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. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.
“Maintaining AZA accreditation since 1987 is a point of great pride for our organization and is a powerful affirmation of the work our team does every day to provide exceptional care for animals and advance meaningful conservation efforts,” said Dr. Jeff Ettling, President and CEO of Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to animal wellbeing, scientific excellence, and inspiring our community to protect wildlife and wild places.”
There are 240 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facility members in 12 countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit https://www.aza.org/current-
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About AZA
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 setting the global gold standard, accrediting 254 of the top zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in 12 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. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.
About Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
For over 100 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has aimed to inspire the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experiences in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection of one red deer fawn, the Zoo now has more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 species of plants, boasting the largest botanical garden in Northeast Florida. The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a nonprofit organization and a portion of every ticket sold goes to the over 35 conservation initiatives Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens supports around the world, and here in NE Florida. The Zoo is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, visit www.jacksonvillezoo.org.
AZA CONTACT: Sarah Fedele
(336) 662-3304
JZBG CONTACT: Emily Long
(904) 757-4463 x159