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Roosevelt Park Zoo granted AZA accreditation

Eloise Ogden/MDN This baby giraffe was born at Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot in July to adult giraffe residents Kianga and Mashama. They are among many inhabitants at the zoo. The Minot zoo has been granted the Association of Zoos & Aquariums accreditation. The accreditation means the Minot zoo is achieving “the highest standards for modern zoological practices and animal welfare,” said Becky Dewitz, zoo director.

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums based in Silver Springs, Md., has announced Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.

“AZA accreditation signifies Roosevelt Park Zoo’s active role in protecting our world’s wild animals and wild places while providing exceptional animal care and meaningful guest experiences,” said AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe. “Fewer than 10% of animal exhibitors registered with USDA have achieved AZA accreditation, so Roosevelt Park Zoo is truly a leader in the zoological profession.”

AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete a rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the association.

The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and welfare; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and more. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied. Any facility that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.

Roosevelt Park Zoo has been an accredited AZA member since 1989.

“We are proud of our AZA accreditation as this means our small zoo is achieving the highest standards for modern zoological practices and animal welfare. I am grateful for the zoo staff’s dedication. Our community support is impressive and helps us grow to continue to meet this measure of excellence” said Becky Dewitz, zoo director.

The AZA inspection team mentioned particular strengths of Roosevelt Park Zoo include:

-The development of new exhibits for lions and tigers will undoubtedly be top-notch and set the stage for the zoo’s future development

– Advances in animal management with operant training techniques is impressive

– Staff involvement in field conservation was commendable

– The overwhelming support from the Greater Minot Zoological Society support organization and Minot Park District leadership team is exemplary

Roosevelt Park Zoo, founded in 1921, will celebrate its centennial in 2021.

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 10 other countries.

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