The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography has once again received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, continuing a 25-year record, officials said.
AZA accreditation “is crucial to animal care,” said Jennifer Nero Moffatt, a Birch Aquarium senior director, in a statement Tuesday. “It guarantees that we adhere to strict criteria concerning animal welfare, conservation efforts, education and guest satisfaction,” said Moffatt, who oversees animal care, science and conservation.
As a condition of membership, AZA facilities must complete the accreditation process every five years. An independent team of zoological professionals analyze all aspects of a facility’s operation, including animal welfare, veterinary care, staff training, animals, staff and visitor safety, educational programs, conservation efforts, financial stability and governance.
AZA’s independent commission reviews detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility, followed by an interview with facility leaders at a formal hearing. The commission then decides to fully grant, provisionally grant for one year or deny accreditation.
Aquarium Executive Director Harry Helling praised staff “for being so prepared for the rigorous AZA accreditation process.”
“The inspectors — noting areas of excellence around our animal conservation, education and sustainability initiatives — also recognized the level of commitment and professionalism of the Birch Aquarium team,” Helling added.
Dan Ashe, AZA’s president and CEO, congratulated the La Jolla-based Birch Aquarium, which is located at UC San Diego, “for achieving the world’s `gold standard” for the zoological and aquarium profession.”
“AZA’s standards continually evolve to reflect best practices in animal care and wellbeing, veterinary care, conservation, scientific advancement, and safety and security, among other things,” Ashe said. “With this assurance, the public can trust that the animals at Birch Aquarium receive the highest level of care and wellbeing, and there is a deep commitment to their conservation in the wild.”
Last September, Birch Aquarium received the Quarter Century Award for continuous AZA accreditation, which involves a detailed application and “meticulous” multiple-day and on-site inspection, aquarium officials said.