The Saginaw Children’s Zoo Achieves Esteemed AZA Accreditation

Silver Spring, Maryland (September 9) – The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) has announced that the Saginaw Children’s Zoo was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.

“The Saginaw Children’s Zoo is among the outstanding aquariums and zoos that have met or exceeded our rigorous accreditation standards,” said AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe. “The hundreds of millions of annual guests to AZA-accredited facilities like the Saginaw Children’s Zoo can be assured their visit is supporting a facility that provides the highest-quality animal care and welfare and is contributing to initiatives that save animals from extinction.”

To be accredited, the Saginaw Children’s Zoo underwent a thorough review to make certain it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards in categories which include animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this 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.

The Saginaw Children’s Zoo has been an accredited AZA member since 2009.

“We are proud of achieving accreditation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums again in 2019.” said Children’s Zoo director, Nancy Parker “This high standard is met through the support of our community, dedicated staff and volunteers”

About AZA

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 ten other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation 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. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

About the Saginaw Children’s Zoo   

Magical things happen in Saginaw each year on 10 acres of park land, home to more than 100 animals, colorful gardens, a miniature train, and the regions only hand-carved carousel. As champions for animals and children, the Saginaw Children’s Zoo creates extraordinary experiences for all. Visit the Zoo for your one-of-a-kind experience unlike any in the region. The Zoo season begins in April and goes through October, ending with our Halloween event, Zoo Boo! Learn more at our website, www.saginawzoo.com