Page 28 - May-June-July Life In Naples

ACCREDITATION
Apes to zebras and beyond

by Tim L.Tetzlaff

WNaples Zoo Director of Conservation
hen you read that Naples Zoo is accredited by the Association
of Zoos and Aquariums or see the AZA logo in the Zoo,
you may think that has to do with the animals. And it does.
AZA is the international organization that sets the highest
standards in the world for zoos and aquariums, but it goes far beyond quality
care for animals. As an AZA accredited institution, Naples Zoo has also
met the rigorous standards for conservation, research, education, financial
accountability, guest services, safety and security, quality and training of staff,
and much more. For perspective, less than 10 percent of USDA licensed
wildlife exhibitors have achieved accreditation.

THE PATH TO ACCREDITATION

Preparation for an institution’s accreditation often begins years before
the first inspector sets foot on-site. On average, the seemingly short 28 page
accreditation application generates the electronic equivalent of two to three
4-inch binders of documentation. The application drills down into thirteen
broad categories covering everything from daily procedures to a wide range
of emergency plans. Institutions must also submit overall programming from
animal collection plans to preventative veterinary care protocols to education
and interpretation strategies and their evaluation. The process also requires
protocols and a host of supporting documents from emergency drill practices
and government inspection reports to behavioral enrichment programs and
facilities maintenance budgets.

Following submission of the application, an inspection
team is dispatched from around the country for a multiple
day inspection of the facility. These experts, including
a veterinarian, examine and evaluate all aspects of
operations. They meet with the director and senior staff,
the governing body, and then meet privately with staff.
Following the inspection, they present a list of concerns
and accomplishments. The institution typically has several
months to address concerns prior to the hearing before
the AZA Accreditation Commission, a panel of twelve
experts who can follow up on issues the inspection team
highlighted or generate completely new questions based on
the application, inspectors’ comments, or comments from
outside organizations and individuals. Their deliberation
results in an institution being accredited or not.

28 Life in Naples | May • June • July 2016