Naples Zoo: AZA Accreditation

Building North America's Largest Wildlife Conservation Movement
Naples Zoo is accredited by the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the international organization that sets the highest standards for zoos and aquariums. Look for the AZA 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.

210 Institutions and 143 Million Visitors
With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org. Over 143 million people visit AZA accredited zoos and aquariums every year and by doing so they are helping to support the urgent conservation work these organizations are doing every day locally, nationally, and internationally.

Every Year: Hundreds of Projects, Tens of Millions of Dollars
Each year, AZA member institutions participate in nearly two thousand conservation projects investing tens of millions of dollars in programs to help wildlife. This does not include the untold number of hours of staff time and PhD expertise directed toward these efforts. These projects typically take place in about 100 different countries annually. Every year, staff at AZA member institutions contribute to our understanding of wildlife biology and conservation by publishing hundreds of books, book chapters, journal articles, conference proceedings papers, posters and theses or dissertations.

Naples Zoo itself supports a diversity of conservation projects from local work with the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge to helping endangered lemurs on Madagascar, and many more.

Press Release about Accreditation Below

Naples Zoo Earns
National Standing

Naples, FL — Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is proud to announce that accreditation was granted by the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) on March 29, 2006. Every AZA facility goes through the rigorous inspection process every five years in hopes of being accredited and with it the honor and responsibility of caring for some of the planet's most extraordinary creatures. Of the more than 2,800 USDA licensed facilities in North America, only 210 have received this high status. While Naples Zoo first earned accreditation in 2001, there is no guarantee the credential will be renewed during subsequent inspections.

As the only accredited facility in Southwest Florida, Naples Zoo will be able to continue offering area residents and visitors a diverse collection of rare animals and the understanding that their zoo visit helps in the worldwide effort for long-term species survival. Larry Richardson, President of the Naples Zoo Board of Directors, explains why an accredited zoo is important to the area. “The Southwest Florida community can be proud that Naples Zoo continues to meet the ever increasing professional standards set forth by the AZA – especially at a time when other institutions that were accredited long before Naples Zoo are not maintaining that accreditation. AZA accreditation insures guests that they while they enjoy their visit, Naples Zoo is also providing quality care for their animals and participating in worldwide conservation.”

The application process alone for AZA accreditation takes about a year. It culminated in late summer 2005 when Naples Zoo staff submitted the four-inch-thick notebooks containing the accreditation application and supporting documentation. But as staff prepared for the multiple day visit by the on-site Accreditation Inspection Team, a record setting hurricane was bearing down on Southwest Florida. Wilma's impact littered the Zoo's natural paths with tree limbs and flattened two exhibits. A supportive AZA staff offered to delay the accreditation process, but after succeeding in recovery and re-opening the Zoo weeks ahead of initial estimates, Naples Zoo staff made the decision to proceed with the inspection process as scheduled. Following additional preparation work by an exceptional Zoo staff and generous community volunteers, Naples Zoo welcomed the AZA inspectors in late January.

During the three day inspection, all aspects of Naples Zoo were reviewed — from animal care to educational programs and from financial stability to visitor services. Accreditation inspection team members have significant experience in operations, animal management, and animal health from other AZA accredited zoos. The three person inspection team —including a zoo director, zoo veterinarian, and director of animal programs – looked carefully at all aspects of Naples Zoo, including the fact that the facility recently transitioned to a non-profit organization.

Following the inspection, the team prepared a written report for the Accreditation Commission. Zoo Director David Tetzlaff and two other zoo staff then sat before the 18 member commission during the AZA's Regional Conference held this week in Jacksonville, Florida. At the conclusion of the hearing, all were thrilled to hear the congratulations following the good news that Naples Zoo had again been accredited.

“We are very pleased to grant accreditation to the Naples Zoo,” stated Kristen L. Vehrs, Interim Executive Director of the AZA. “Zoos and aquariums in North America are continually evolving and reaffirming their commitment to animal care, professionalism, ethics, conservation, and education. In turn they are enriching the lives of their community. Naples Zoo is no exception.”

Tetzlaff explains, “We are all proud the Zoo has been accredited again by AZA. When I look back over the past year and the challenges Naples Zoo has faced – from the land acquisition deal to the hurricane – it is a strong statement that Naples Zoo again met the rising standards set by AZA. This stamp of approval from the best professionals in the field is high praise indeed.”

Founded in 1924, AZA's mission is to support member excellence in conservation, education, science, and recreation. Accreditation has been mandatory for membership in AZA for decades and zoos and aquariums undergo the complete accreditation process every five years to insure they meet the ever-rising industry standards in all areas including animal care, veterinary programs, and safety.

Learn more about the AZA.