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Porch & Parish

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Again Earns Prestigious National Accreditation

Mar 19, 2024 12:15PM ● By Cheryl Michelet, BREC Director of Communications
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.