Birch Aquarium Receives Prestigious AZA Accreditation
Birch Aquarium has yet again been granted accreditation by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) independent Accreditation Commission.
Celebrating Over 25 Years of AZA Accreditation
The announcement follows Birch Aquarium’s receipt of the Quarter Century Award last September for 25 years of continuous AZA accreditation.
“Congratulations to the staff at Birch Aquarium for achieving the world’s ‘gold standard’ for the zoological and aquarium profession,” said Dan Ashe, AZA’s president and chief executive officer.
“AZA’s standards continually evolve to reflect best practices in animal care and well-being, veterinary care, conservation, scientific advancement, and safety and security, among other things.”
“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.”
AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals.
The Pillars of AZA’s Accreditation Process
The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal welfare and well-being, veterinary care, staff training, safety for visitors, staff, and animals, educational programs, conservation efforts, financial stability, risk management, governance, and guest services.
“I am so very proud of our entire Birch Aquarium team for being so prepared for the rigorous AZA Accreditation process,” said Executive Director Harry Helling.
“The inspectors, noting areas of excellence in our animal conservation, education, and sustainability initiatives, also recognized the level of commitment and professionalism of the Birch Aquarium team.”
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 either fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.
A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. As a condition of association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.
Congratulations, Birch Aquarium!
“Receiving AZA accreditation is crucial to animal care,” said Jennifer Nero Moffatt, Birch Aquarium’s Senior Director of Animal Care, Science and Conservation.
“It guarantees that we adhere to strict criteria concerning animal welfare, conservation efforts, education, and guest satisfaction. This accreditation demonstrates our dedication to top-notch quality and reassures our community that we operate ethically, responsibly, and with utmost care for both our animals and our guests”
There are 236 AZA-accredited institutions and 15 AZA-accredited related facility members throughout the U.S. and 12 other countries.
Follow Birch Aquarium on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Visit the website here for more info.
