After an extensive year-long process which includes a

lengthy application, in-person inspection and an official hearing, BREC is thrilled

to announce that the Baton Rouge Zoo has once again joined the approximately

10% of zoos and aquariums in the United States to achieve the Association of Zoos

and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation. AZA represents more than 235 facilities in

America and overseas dedicated to the advancement of conservation, education,

science and recreation. AZA accredited zoos and aquariums meet the highest

standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe and educational family

experience.

Being accredited by the AZA is the gold standard as the rigorous process can take

up to a year. It includes a lengthy application that includes nearly 400 standards.

Documentation is required to show proof that the zoo or aquarium is meeting every

standard relevant to its facility type. Then an inspection team of zoo professionals

with expertise in administration, animal husbandry and veterinary care spends

between three and four days on site reviewing the facility. The inspection team

develops a list of initiatives the organization is doing well, concerns from the

previous inspection five years prior (if applicable), any major concerns as well as

any minor concerns.

The institution applying for accreditation develops a response to the concerns and

how they are, or will be, addressed. That is followed by a hearing and vote to

determine if the institution has gained accreditation, earned provisional

accreditation or if accreditation is tabled or denied. That vote was held Monday

afternoon in Memphis, Tennessee where AZA leadership recognized six years of

tireless work by staff at the zoo and many other BREC departments, two nationally

renowned consulting teams, gifted contractors and a supportive Commission and

community.

“In 2018, we were devastated to announce that for the first time in its history, the

Baton Rouge Zoo was denied accreditation. At the time, the AZA accrediting body

recognized the good work being done by talented staff while determining that there

must be a significant investment in the zoo’s infrastructure,” said BREC

Superintendent Corey K. Wilson. “We are now poised to unveil a more than $50-

million investment in both the Zoo and Greenwood Community Park and with

today’s news plan to make that celebration one to remember as we mark this

achievement along with the first phase of the largest construction project in

BREC’s history. We know there is still work to be done to bring the entire zoo

master plan to reality and have committed to creating a world class zoo for East

Baton Rouge Parish,” said Wilson.

“I am so proud of each and every member of our staff who continued to work at a

high level during very challenging times,” said Baton Rouge Zoo Director Jim

Fleshman. “No matter the obstacle, they kept the well-being of the animals at the

forefront of their efforts while focusing on delivering a great experience to every

visitor who continued coming to the zoo during construction. Now that our goal of

achieving accreditation has been met, we will turn our full focus on putting the

final touches on construction, helping the animals acclimate to their new habitats

and planning a celebration to remember!” said Fleshman.

All American animal facilities must be permitted by the United States Department

of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Agency as it is the group

that enforces the Animal Welfare Act. Throughout its history, The Baton Rouge

Zoo has remained in good standing with the USDA and is proud to have been the

first zoo in Louisiana to become an AZA accredited institution and one of the first

in the nation. The zoo will apply for accreditation again in five years.

Among many other improvements, the first phase of construction for the zoo

includes a new entrance and entryway, orientation plaza, giraffe feeding station,

pygmy hippo exhibit and new train route. Despite the drought, record heat and

construction, in 2023 the Zoo served nearly 200,000 visitors from across the

country.