Wildlife Safari’s bid to retain its national zoo accreditation was rejected in Portland last month, interrupting a record dating to 1986 and leaving the Southern Oregon attraction awaiting a public explanation of why its application failed.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums identified the Winston facility among three applicants denied accreditation in results released September 29. Its independent Accreditation Commission approved 30 other facilities during the fall review, including the Oregon Zoo in Portland.
Wildlife Safari continues to sell admission tickets and advertise daily operations. Its drive-through safari and Safari Village remain listed as open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with October events still on the calendar. The denial has brought no publicly reported closure order, government fine or license revocation connected to the accreditation review…