Special Recognition
HELLBENDER CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2022, as members of the Ohio Hellbender Partnership, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium celebrated the release of our 800th Zoo-raised hellbender back into Ohio streams since 2012. In recognition of this achievement, the Columbus Zoo received the Ex situ Conservation Award from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) for our eastern hellbender rearing and release program. The Columbus Zoo and The Wilds are at the forefront of the hellbender recovery through environmental DNA research conducted at The Wilds to detect this state-endangered salamander in our waterways, and through rearing and releasing young collected as eggs.
THE WILDS EARNS AZA ACCREDITATION In 2022, we were proud to announce that The Wilds earned full accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA). The AZA has continuously accredited The Wilds since 1996, demonstrating ongoing commitment to be a facility that combines cutting-edge conservation science and education programs with unique guest opportunities.
To be accredited, The Wilds underwent a thorough review to assure our facility has and will continue to meet rising standards, which include animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires facilities to complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.
COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM NOW ACCREDITED BY ZAA The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was granted accreditation by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) after applying for the first time in June 2022. ZAA is a non-profit, membership-based, accrediting organization dedicated to responsible wildlife management, conservation, and education, and upholding high standards in animal welfare, safety, and ethics. The association is unique in that it is comprised of public and private facilities of wildlife educators, rescue facilities, TV and film industry animal experts, wildlife preserves, small community zoos, large zoological facilities, aquariums, and conservation organizations—all working together
to elevate the care and welfare for wildlife in human care. The Columbus Zoo is one of the largest facilities accredited by ZAA. Welcoming the rigor of all accrediting bodies, the Columbus Zoo strives to exceed all standards in the zoological community. In addition to accreditation achieved through ZAA, the Columbus Zoo is accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums (AMMPA), an international association and accrediting body specializing in marine mammals. In the fall, the Columbus Zoo also applied for AZA accreditation and will receive results of that inspection in Spring 2023.
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