NOT AZA

 
 

WHY IS FORT RICKEY NOT AZA ACCREDITEd?

Let’s begin with just a few simple facts about the AZA program. Less than 10% of over 3000 zoos across the United States are part of the AZA program. Why actually is that? To become a member the filing fees and annual dues can cost a facility anywhere from 10k to 1 million. AZA only inspects facilities once every 5 years, unless complaints are lodged.

Using just these 3 basic facts one could come to the conclusion that AZA accreditation does not guarantee a facility is actually providing the “gold standard of animal care and welfare”. There are hundreds of zoos that absolutely DO meet extremely high standards of animal care and welfare without paying the steep price tag of an AZA approval. In fact most zoo’s would much prefer to use that money to pay their staff well or to provide even better conditions for their animals. All zoo’s operate under an USDA APHIS license and are open to inspection by a USDA agent at ALL TIMES. If you really want to know the status of a zoo, check for violations sited by the USDA. Even AZA Zoo’s can have repeated animal welfare violations with the USDA and still hold their accreditation with the AZA.

It’s really not hard to discover the true nature of a zoo. You can use the following link to research any zoo for USDA violations- https://aphis.my.site.com/PublicSearchTool/s/inspection-reports

You can also use your own sense of judgement and observation skills when visiting a facility.

Here are 6 examples of things you can look for when visiting a zoo..

  • Are the Keepers available to talk to and ask questions….do they encourage this or avoid it?

  • Do the animals have large, clean enclosures with clean water, shade, and ample enrichment?

  • Does the facility provide education or learning opportunities for their visitors?

  • How are the bathrooms? Are they clean? If they can’t keep tidy restrooms, one might wonder if they are really able to keep all the animal enclosures clean and well maintained? (don’t forget there are often many enclosures the public cannot see)

  • How do the animals look? Are they bright and active or dull and depressed?

  • Are the animals forced to interact with visitors? Some Zoo’s will lock an animal out of it’s hidden den or “safe space” in order for the public to always be able to view them.

    Helpful hint* don’t assume an enclosure is empty if you cannot see the animal. Maybe it’s just taking a little break.

    Here at Fort Rickey we commend the zoo’s that want to be part of the AZA program, and maybe we would join them if it wasn’t so expensive, however, we want the public to know we all derive our “standard of care” from the same manual. The choice to actually employ those standards of care on a daily basis (not just to pass AZA’s “every 5 years” exam) is up to the teams that do the daily work. This effort can never be proven by an outside source. It’s proven by the regular visitors, the staff, and the animals, every day. We are proud of the proof we provide.