San Diego Zoo, Safari Park secure AZA accreditation

The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have been reaccredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a process AZA-member institutions undergo every five years.

Fewer than 10% of licensed animal exhibitors in the U.S. are accredited by the AZA, the association says.

Both San Diego facilities were evaluated by visiting committees of recognized experts in operations, animal welfare and veterinary medicine, officials said.

During their visits, experts ensured the facilities continued to meet the AZA’s standards “in every aspect of operation” — from animal welfare and conservation to guest services and staffing, according to a news release from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which operates the two parks.

“Re-accreditation is a testament to the care, dedication and heart team members across the Alliance bring to their work every day,” Shawn Dixon, the alliance’s president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Our entire team is to thank for contributing to this milestone, and I look forward to seeing how the organization can continue to grow and evolve together as we advance our conservation mission.”

The AZA has been the primary accrediting body for zoos and aquariums for more than 40 years, initially as a voluntary process. Since 1985, the organization has required accreditation for institutions to remain AZA members. According to the AZA’s website, standards are continuously evolving and incorporate “best modern zoological practices in animal welfare and management” and embrace “modern AZA philosophies.”

According to alliance officials, the AZA committees highlighted the collaborative and innovative approach by Safari Park staff and cited “clear positive organizational culture among team members across departments.”

Officials said the zoo was recognized for its “comprehensive approach of wildlife care staff to maintaining animal health and wellbeing” while employees were lauded for their welcoming spirit and sense of pride and personal investment in the conservation mission.

Pat McTigue, executive director of Safari Park, said AZA’s standards are well known among employees, who “tend to live AZA every day” and strive to exceed those standards. He called the accreditation process “really robust.”

“It is really a review of your past five years,” he said.