Birch & Burlap: Disney's Animal Kingdom Receives Accreditation!

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This month, the Association of Zoos and Aquariaums ("AZA") accredited Disney's Animal Kingdom!

What does this mean exactly? Here, I'll let them explain:

..."accreditation" means official recognition and approval of a zoo or aquarium by a group of experts. These experts, called the AZA Accreditation Commission, carefully examine each zoo or aquarium that applies for AZA membership.

Only those zoos and aquariums that meet our high standards can become members of AZA.

There are many benefits to becoming a member of his Association. Again, I'll let them explain:

Public Trust
Develops public confidence by means that an institution meets or exceeds current professional standards

Provides a publicly recognized badge signifying excellence in, and commitment to, such things as animal care, conservation and education

Distinguishes AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums from "roadside zoos."

Benefits for the Accredited Zoo or Aquarium
Increases eligibility for grants

Cuts red tape (exempts institutions from certain government requirements, primarily at the state level)

Promotes professional recognition from the top zoological parks and aquariums in the Unite States

Provides impartial evaluation on a periodic basis by professional colleagues

Promotes excellence within the institution by causing an institution to continuously evaluate itself

Provides staff an invaluable opportunity to learn from other institutions

Fosters staff and community pride

Significantly improves the ability to attract and retain a high quality, profession staff.

Access to Critical AZA Programs and Services
Participation in Animal Exchange (access to specimens from other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums for loan or breeding)

Opportunities for collaboration and consultation with AZA colleagues who are top experts in their fields

Participation in the Species Survival Plan, AZA's flagship Animal Conservation Program

Free and discounted admission to AZA accredited institutions for collegial information-sharing and much more.

This is a huge accomplishment for Disney and one I'm sure they don't take lightly. Disney's Animal Kingdom ("DAK") is one of the top animal facilities in the world, and is actually my favorite Disney Park out of all of them. (Of course, I am a GIGANTIC animal lover/person.) Many people whiz through this Park, but for my family, it's a full day's Park. (Many times, we have not been able to make it through the entire park, even WITH EMH!) Each Cast Member in this Park is amazing, and the amount of facts and details they can tell you about the animals they tend for is unbelievable.

(One morning, I actually spent two hours inside Rafiki's Planet Watch. I started out watching a Komodo dragon's annual check-up and talking to the Cast Member moderating the event and ended up talking to one of the researchers who had come out from the back to watch the check up. At the end of our time together, they asked me who I was and then [I guess] finding out I wasn't anyone "special" or "important," they went to the back and brought out pins for me and the boys. [Not just any old pins; these were pins only the researchers had! Made especially for them.] The researcher said she could tell we had an above-average knowledge and love of animals, and she wanted to share these special pins with us. She told the boys not to trade them, as a lot of pin trading "gremlins" would be after them!!)

One more thing from the AZA website:

Fewer than 10% of the approximately 2,400 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture are AZA accredited! The AZA logo is the easiest, most reliable way for people to choose zoos and aquariums that meet our rigorous accreditation standards.

So be sure to look for the "Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums" logo on web sites, advertisements, and at the gate! Before you visit, check our list of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to see if an institution is AZA accredited. For more extensive information on accreditation we invite you to download a copy of the latest edition of the Accreditation Standards and Related Policies (in PDF) and read our standards for yourself.

Congratulations Disney on a job well done!!