Oglebay Good Zoo is excited to announce its recent accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) during this year’s Annual Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission reviews applications twice a year from top zoos, aquariums, and related facilities worldwide. This year, 33 facilities received this prestigious accreditation.
“Our team is dedicated to providing the best environment for the animals in our care while creating memorable experiences for families. We are incredibly proud of achieving AZA accreditation and maintaining this status for nearly 38 years now. Thanks to our community’s continued support, Wheeling is among the smallest cities in the United States to host an AZA-accredited institution,” said Good Zoo Director, Dr. Joe Greathouse.
The AZA accreditation process involves a thorough application and an extensive multi-day on-site evaluation by an independent team of zoological experts. The inspecting team analyzes various aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Commission. Finally, the Commission conducts formal interviews with key officials before granting accreditation, provisional status for one year, or denial.
“Congratulations to Oglebay Good Zoo for meeting our rigorous standards and achieving Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and chief executive officer at AZA. “Earning accreditation is a mark of excellence and a testament to Oglebay Good Zoo’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of animal care and conservation. Your dedication not only enhances the lives of the animals you care for but also sets a precedent for excellence in the zoological community.”
Currently, there are 252 AZA-accredited facilities throughout the United States and 12 other countries. To learn more about Oglebay Good Zoo or to plan your visit, go to oglebay.com/good-zoo
About Oglebay Good Zoo – Oglebay Good Zoo is the only institution in West Virginia that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Good Zoo provides conservation education programming to over 13,000 students annually and participates in AZA breeding programs for over 20 rare or endangered species. The Good Zoo also collaborates with the West Virginia Division of Wildlife to conduct conservation research associated with the rare Eastern hellbender salamander and to rehabilitate nearly 50 ill or injured wild eagles, hawks and owls in the Upper Ohio River Valley annually. Learn more at oglebay.com/good-zoo.
