Yes, the Denver Zoo is AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited. The zoo has maintained its AZA accreditation since 1976 and has recently received a five-year accreditation following an extensive evaluation of its operations and programs. This accreditation reflects the zoo’s commitment to animal care, wildlife conservation, education, science, and recreation.
Accreditation Status and Details
- The Denver Zoo is currently accredited by the AZA, a status it has maintained since 1976.
- The zoo has received a five-year accreditation, which is subject to evaluation every five years by a team of expert inspectors.
- The zoo meets the comprehensive standards of AZA accreditation, including animal welfare and care, wildlife conservation impact and research, education programs, and guest services.
- Less than 10% of the 2,800 wildlife exhibitors licensed by the USDA meet the AZA accreditation standards.
Additional Certifications
The Denver Zoo has also earned the following certifications:
- American Humane Certified: The zoo earned this certification in 2020 for its exceptional treatment of animals.
- ISO 14001 Certification: The zoo achieved this certification in 2009 and was re-certified in 2015, recognizing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
- OHSAS 18001 Certification: The zoo achieved this certification in 2015, demonstrating its commitment to occupational health and safety.
Conservation Efforts
The Denver Zoo is actively involved in various conservation initiatives:
- Species Survival Plan: The zoo participates in the AZA Species Survival Plan for many species, working with other zoos and aquariums to respond to the global extinction crisis.
- Amphibian Conservation: The zoo has successfully bred boreal toads and released them in southwestern Utah, and it also works with conservationists in Peru to save wild populations of the endangered Lake Titicaca frog and Lake Junin giant frog.
- American Bison Conservation: The zoo has a storied history with the American bison, having assisted in nationwide efforts to save the species from extinction and currently managing a herd on the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico.
Education and Community Engagement
The Denver Zoo is committed to providing educational opportunities and engaging with the local community:
- Education Programs: The zoo offers various educational programs, including demonstrations, feedings, and programming at different exhibits and amphitheaters.
- Certified Autism Center: The Denver Zoo became the first zoo in Colorado to earn the Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards in 2023.
- Graduate-Level Programs: The zoo is part of Miami University’s graduate-level Advanced Inquiry Program, offering a Master of Arts in Biology or Master of Arts in Teaching through online coursework and face-to-face experiential learning experiences.
The Denver Zoo’s AZA accreditation, along with its additional certifications and conservation efforts, demonstrates its commitment to providing a world-class experience for visitors while prioritizing animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Zoo
- https://krdo.com/news/2023/09/20/denver-zoo-receives-accreditation-by-the-association-of-zoos-aquariums/
- https://denverzoo.org/zootales/denver-zoo-announces-aza-accreditation/
- https://www.aza.org/inst-status
- https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2023/10/02/denver-zoo-earns-accreditation-from-the-association-of-zoos-aquariums/