PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – On Thursday morning, the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium announced it has earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums which is considered the gold standard for zoos and aquariums.
The accreditation communicates that the Pittsburgh Zoo has met or exceeded professional standards and excellence in animal management, well-being, safety, conservation, and education.
“Earning AZA accreditation reflects excellence and unwavering dedication to the highest standards of animal care and conservation,” said Dan Ashe, president and chief executive officer at AZA. “We are proud, once again, to count the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium as an accredited member. This achievement is the result of commitment and dedication to be the incredible zoological facility that the city of Pittsburgh deserves.”
In order to get the accreditation the zoo was put through a rigorous process that included multi-day inspections that combed through zoo operations, animal well-being, veterinary care, conservation efforts, education programs, and safety for animals, visitors, and staff.