The zoo has been without the accreditation since dropping it in 2015 over a dispute involving elephant handling.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium announced today that it has earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), a designation it had been lacking since 2015.
Under former director Barbara Baker, the zoo opted to drop its affiliation with the AZA over a disagreement about a policy limiting the unprotected contact staff have with elephants.
Current president and CEO Dr. Jeremy Goodman wanted to make reinstating the accreditation a priority. The zoo, which sits on 77 acres in Highland Park, leases its land from the city, and the lease mandates it be AZA-accredited.
In order to obtain AZA accreditation, the zoo underwent a multiple-day inspection by a team of zoological operations experts. Their report was evaluated by the AZA’s Accreditation Commission, which voted unanimously to accredit the zoo.
“Accreditation by the AZA reinforces our dedicated staff’s steadfast commitment to our animals, their care and conservation, and nature education,” Goodman said in a statement. “All aspects of Zoo operation were analyzed, from veterinary procedures to finances to the quality of food and items in the gift shop. We are very proud to add this prestigious honor to our list of certifications and look forward to continuing to partner with the community to make the world better for wildlife.”
AZA accreditation provides the zoo with access to programs and services such as animal exchanges and participation in the Species Survival Plan — the AZA’s original flagship animal conservation program — as well as access to additional funding and grants, periodic evaluation by professional experts and learning opportunities for zoo staff.