Zoo honored again with national accreditation
Zoo officials have announced that Sequoia Park Zoo has once again received the honor of national accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, marking over a quarter-century of excellence in animal care and welfare. First accredited in 1995, Sequoia Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in California and also one of the smallest to receive this distinction.
The Association of Zoos & Aquariums requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete a rigorous accreditation process and inspection by top zoo experts every five years in order to remain members of the association. The inspection team observed all aspects of the institution’s operations and focused on areas such as animal care and veterinary programming, staff training, safety, education programs, conservation efforts, financial stability, support organization and guest services. Zoo staff prepared an extensive report that was reviewed by the Accreditation Commission, which then formally interviewed zoo officials. The commission granted the zoo accreditation at the hearing, with a special mention of the zoo’s dedicated staff, conservation efforts including native plants and butterflies, and the addition of the world-class Redwood Sky Walk.
New Zoo Director Jim Campbell-Spickler said, “It was heartening to hear
AZA inspectors and accreditation committee members recognize the quality of our animal care professionals and the excellent job we’re doing with our education and conservation mission. We might be one of the smallest accredited zoos around, but our staff is dedicated to the work we do here. Accreditation is a big deal, and I’m proud of our Sequoia Park Zoo team whose hard work made this distinction possible.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation.
For more information, visit www.sequoiaparkzoo. net or call 707-441-4247.