Trevor Zoo Earns AZA Accreditation
The Trevor Zoo has once again earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, affirming its status as a safe and healthy place for over 70 species who call it home. The AZA undertakes an all-encompassing in-person survey that includes animal welfare and well-being, inspection of facilities and husbandry practices, examination of physical and behavioral health records as well as evaluation of the guest services and visitor experience before bestowing its seal of approval.
AZA accreditation is the gold standard and is very difficult to earn and maintain. The only zoo affiliated with a high school and in which high school students play an active role in animal care, the Trevor Zoo is one of only 239 fully accredited zoos in the nation. To maintain accreditation, a zoo must be inspected every five years by a group of accreditation experts. The maintenance of AZA standards for animal welfare, care, and management are verified through this process. According to AZA guidelines “the veterinary program, involvement in conservation and research, education programs, safety policies and procedures, security, physical facilities, guest services, and the quality of the institution's staff” are also key to earning accreditation.
Attaining AZA accreditation is a major accomplishment, a tribute to the dedication of the Trevor Zoo staff, and perhaps most importantly, an assurance of safe and healthy living conditions for the zoo animals. Student scientists’ unique access to the zoo allows for true scientific research with exotic animals at the high school level, a one-of-a-kind opportunity available only at Millbrook.
AZA accreditation is the gold standard and is very difficult to earn and maintain. The only zoo affiliated with a high school and in which high school students play an active role in animal care, the Trevor Zoo is one of only 239 fully accredited zoos in the nation. To maintain accreditation, a zoo must be inspected every five years by a group of accreditation experts. The maintenance of AZA standards for animal welfare, care, and management are verified through this process. According to AZA guidelines “the veterinary program, involvement in conservation and research, education programs, safety policies and procedures, security, physical facilities, guest services, and the quality of the institution's staff” are also key to earning accreditation.
Attaining AZA accreditation is a major accomplishment, a tribute to the dedication of the Trevor Zoo staff, and perhaps most importantly, an assurance of safe and healthy living conditions for the zoo animals. Student scientists’ unique access to the zoo allows for true scientific research with exotic animals at the high school level, a one-of-a-kind opportunity available only at Millbrook.
