Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Statement of AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy on AZA Accreditation

CONTACT: Steve Feldman, AZA, 301-562-0777, x252

SILVER SPRING, MD, December 26, 2007 – The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) President and CEO Jim Maddy issued the following statement regarding AZA accreditation standards:

"AZA's mandatory accreditation standards state 'All animal exhibits and holding areas must be secured to prevent unintentional animal egress.'

AZA accreditation standards contain no specific dimensions for big cat enclosures. Our highly trained inspectors consider many factors when determining if an exhibit meets the standard. They look at the number, nature, and location of barriers; physical terrain; number, age and physical condition of the animals; and the scientifically-known physical capabilities of the animals in the exhibit.

AZA mandatory accreditation standards require that the San Francisco Zoo provide a thorough report about this incident to its independent Accreditation Commission, which will review it and determine any actions that need to be taken. We will not speculate on what action might be taken until the facts are fully reviewed.

The San Francisco Zoo is a great zoo, it's an accredited AZA member in good standing, and it has our support during this difficult time. Because they are top-notch professionals and because they take the safety of their visitors so seriously, the staff at the San Francisco Zoo is already moving forward with safety improvements.

AZA-accredited zoos are safe. Until this incident, there had not been a visitor fatality resulting from an animal escape at an AZA-accredited zoo. AZA mandatory accreditation standards require safety and emergency protocols that go beyond federal, state or local requirements. Regular safety training and annual emergency drills are required by these mandatory accreditation standards."

A full copy of the AZA accreditation standards can be found at www.aza.org/Accreditation/Documents/AccredStandPol.pdf.

About AZA

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

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