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 dollars. 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 zoos, if they had that kind of money, would much prefer to use that money to pay their staff well or to provide even better conditions for their animals.

All zoos operate under an USDA APHIS license and are open to inspection by an 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 zoos can have repeated animal welfare violations with the USDA and still hold their accreditation with the AZA.

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. Ask questions about animal care when you see a keeper. If you see something you’re not sure about, ask. Talking with a keeper is a great way to understand the level of care that is being provided.

Here are a few 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?

  • Look at the feet of the hooved animals ( if your allowed to be near enough to see them). Are the hooves nice and trim or can you can see overgrowth and limping?

  • How are the bathrooms? Are they clean? Something this basic can be an honest reflection on the management of any organization.

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

  • Are the animals forced to interact with visitors? Some zoos will lock an animal out of its 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 the resident is just taking a little break.

    Here at Fort Rickey we commend the zoos that want to be part of the AZA program, we 100% support AZA. We honestly wouldn’t hesitate to join AZA if it wasn’t so expensive, however, we think the public should 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.