The American Zoo
and Aquarium Association (AZA) was founded in 1924 and currently represents
200 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America. Its mission is to support
member excellence in conservation, education, science, and recreation.
In the fall of 2001, during
its Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, the AZA Accreditation
Commission granted accreditation to the Brandywine Zoo. Mr. Sydney J. Butler,
Executive Director of AZA, stated, "We are very pleased to grant accreditation
to the Brandywine Zoo. 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. The Brandywine Zoo is no exception."
The mission of the AZA
Accreditation Commission is to establish, uphold, and raise the highest zoological
and aquarium industry standards through self-evaluation, on-site inspection,
and peer review. The accreditation process includes an initial application
and a two or three day inspection by a team of zoo and aquarium professionals.
The inspecting team observes all aspects of the facility's operation in areas
such as: collection care (including living environment and daily enrichment),
keeper training, safety for the animals, staff and visitors, educational
programs, conservation efforts, veterinary programs, financial stability,
risk management, visitor services, and other areas. The team prepares a written
report for the Accreditation Commission. Then a formal hearing is held where
the Commission interviews top officials. After that, the accreditation is
either granted, tabled, or denied. Any facility that is denied may reapply
after the concerns of the Commission have been addressed.
AZA requires zoos and
aquariums to become accredited in order to be members of the Association.
Accreditation is granted for five years. At the end of that time, the Zoo
must again undergo rigorous investigation to insure it meets the always increasing
standards in collection care, veterinary programs, conservation, education,
and safety, among other things.