Our zoo is world class

So if a single self-important organization criticizes us, it doesn’t matter

Iwas greatly amused by the comments from Association of Zoos and Aquariums executive director Daniel M. Ashe, who has never visited the Pittsburgh Zoo (”The Pittsburgh Zoo Should Want to Be in the Best League,” Nov. 16 letters). Sadly, Mr. Ashe has been misled and wrote his letter in an attempt to protect AZA’s brand and self-proclaimed position as a zoo organization.

The Pittsburgh Zoo has always upheld the highest standards of animal care and welfare. We are now certified by the oldest national animal welfare organization in the country, American Humane, passing a rigorous third-party, independent audit. We have not only increased our expertise and standards in our animal care, but also have the Gold Stamp of the American Humane Conservation program’s Humane Certified seal to prove it.

Our zoo is accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums Association and the Zoological Association of America as well. We belong to more than 30 membership organizations, including the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians and the International Elephant Foundation. We have supported 204 conservation projects in 79 countries on all seven continents and in all five oceans; recently rescued a female elephant seal from California; are gearing up for another rescue and rehab of sea turtles; have 25 penguins on exhibit, including a new chick; and regularly receive new animals from zoos all over the country.

We made the decision to discontinue our membership with AZA when its officials began to overstep their authority by ordering member organizations to follow all directives without question, even those we believe increase the danger to our staff and animals.

Readers may have been misled to believe that the standards mandated would improve the safety of elephant handlers. In fact, there has already been a death of a keeper in a zoo utilizing AZA’s new safety standards, a fact AZA refuses to admit. We believe that, by having a positive relationship with our animals every single day and strengthening this bond at every opportunity, we can provide the safest environment for both our animals and our staff.

We love talking about our beloved Steelers! Pittsburghers may remember when the Steelers were maligned by the NFL because they were members of the “inferior” American Football League, just as AZA would have you believe that your great zoo is second-rate. The Steelers’ have won six Super Bowl rings, and Pittsburgh has a world-class, gold-star zoo and aquarium that upholds the highest standards of care and welfare for our animals because of the highly professional, highly skilled people who work here and the awesome community that supports us — not because we are a member of a particular national organization.

We’ve moved on and continue to do great things. You should, too, Mr. Ashe. Why don’t you come visit some day and see for yourself?