Zoos and Aquariums Adopt Creative Standards for Accreditation
Zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) are modernizing their operations to meet rigorous standards without relying on rigid checklists. Cheri Abramson, AZA’s director of accreditation programs, reported that the standards are meant to be embedded into daily practices rather than treated as mere boxes to check.
Institutions nationwide are designing innovative solutions for animal care, guest engagement, and facility management. These changes reflect the unique needs of each organization while maintaining compliance with established guidelines.
The Florida Aquarium Lets Ambassador Animals Set Schedules
At The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida, ambassador animals dictate the timing of their public appearances. Roger Germann, president and chief executive officer of the aquarium, stated that the approach provides mental exercise and physical activity for animals such as lizards, baby skunks, and penguins.
Animal care teams evaluate the demeanor of each animal during operating hours. If an animal appears restless or uncooperative, staff members may reschedule encounters for quieter evening hours. Germann noted that these ambassador animals represent survival and organizational purpose rather than serving as mere props.
Central Florida Zoo Cuts Costs With Mobile Necropsy Unit
Faced with an AZA inspection requirement for a separate necropsy facility, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida, avoided an $800,000 price tag for a standalone building by designing a mobile unit. Richard Glover, chief executive officer of the zoo, said a permanent building made little sense for a facility housing roughly 400 animals.
Paul Pagello, director of facilities at the zoo, drew inspiration from marine mammal strandings to design a mobile necropsy trailer equipped with its own water storage and generator. Operational since 2023, the unit cost under $200,000 and can be deployed to assist other facilities during natural disasters.
Tracy Aviary Uses Predatory Insects and Feeders for Pest Control
Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City, Utah, houses about 300 resident birds across eight acres of gardens and ponds. To avoid chemical pesticides that harm birds, Kate Lyngle-Cowand, curator of bird care, said the staff collaborates with an organic pest control company to introduce predatory insects such as parasitoid wasps, predatory midges, and lacewing larvae to manage aphids and mites.
The aviary also addressed an influx of wild mallards that competed for food and carried avian influenza risks. By installing specialized feeders that block mallards while allowing resident waterfowl to eat, the aviary reduced daily mallard counts from approximately 400 in 2015 to about 20.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Deploys Drones for Security and Conservation
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California, utilizes a fleet of drones to patrol its 1,800-acre property in the San Pasqual Valley.
Equipped with thermal imaging, the drones also assist staff in detecting wildfire threats and hot spots. McTigue emphasized that the technology supports natural habitats and immersive guest experiences rather than detracting from them.
Frequently Asked Questions About AZA Accreditation Innovation
How do AZA standards impact daily operations at zoos and aquariums?
Standards are designed to integrate into everyday animal management, guest engagement, and conservation practices rather than functioning as isolated administrative checklists. Institutions tailor these benchmarks to fit their specific staffing and animal populations.
What financial savings did the Central Florida Zoo achieve with its mobile unit?
The zoo built a mobile necropsy trailer for less than $200,000, saving more than $600,000 compared to the projected $800,000 cost of constructing a permanent standalone building.
How much have mallard numbers dropped at Tracy Aviary?
Modified feeders successfully reduced the daily mallard population at the aviary from about 400 visitors a day in 2015 to approximately 20 visitors today.
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