Buttonwood Park Zoo Honored With Prestigious AZA Accreditation

Media Contact: Sarah Fedele
[email protected]

Silver Spring, Md. (September 20,2024) – Buttonwood Park Zoo is proud to announce that it has received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) independent Accreditation Commission at this year’s Annual Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Twice a year, the Commission reviews accreditation applications from the best zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in the world. At this year’s Annual Conference, 33 facilities were granted accreditation.

“Buttonwood Park Zoo is proud to once again receive accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums,” said Gary Lunsford, Director of Zoological Services. “This process is just one way that our organization showcases BPZOO’s commitment to conservation, environmental education, and the highest standards of animal care. Our staff and volunteers are integral to maintaining these standards, and success of our accreditation is a testament to their hard work.”

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all 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 interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-evolving standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

“Congratulations to Buttonwood Park 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 Buttonwood Park 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.”

As a result of this year’s accreditation decisions, there are now 252 AZA-accredited facilities throughout the United States and 12 other countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.

About AZA

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 12 other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.