Roger Williams Park Zoo Awarded Reaccreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
PROVIDENCE, RI (September 14, 2023) The Roger Williams Park Zoo announced today that it has earned reaccreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo was the first in New England to earn accreditation in 1986 and has been reaccredited continuously for 37 years.
AZA accreditation is a rigorous and comprehensive process that evaluates all aspects of a zoo or aquarium’s operation, including animal welfare, veterinary care, keeper training, safety, education, conservation, finance, risk management, governance, and guest services.
The process begins with a detailed application, followed by a multi-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspection team thoroughly assesses the facility’s operations and prepares a detailed report. The Commission then reviews the report and interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing. Based on this evaluation, the Commission decides whether to grant full accreditation, provisional accreditation for one year, or deny accreditation.
“Every year, AZA sends over 200 accreditation inspectors around the world to review 60 to 70 applications for AZA accreditation. We also have nearly 40 facilities participating in our Pathway Toward Membership program, which is indicative of the growing importance of independent accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of AZA. “AZA’s standards are continuously revised to reflect cutting-edge zoological practices based on the latest animal wellbeing science and research. Clearly, the best-of-the-best zoos and aquariums want to be part of our association.”
“We are proud that our Zoo is helping to safeguard animals regionally and worldwide through wildlife conservation programs,” said Stacey Johnson, executive director. “Additionally, AZA accreditation assures that we meet the highest standards in animal welfare and public education. This accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers who believe in our mission to conserve wildlife and wild places.”
There are currently 237 AZA-accredited facilities and 15 AZA-accredited related facility members throughout the U.S. and 12 other countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.
About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 12 other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation 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. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.
About Roger Williams Park Zoo
Roger Williams Park Zoo is Rhode Island’s number one outdoor family and tourist attraction, and a leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size. As leaders in conservation and animal care – we create engaging experiences that empower guests to join us in conserving wildlife and wild places. Roger Williams Park Zoo is supported and managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence.