ROYAL OAK, Mich., September 25, 2006 – The Detroit Zoo today announced that accreditation was granted by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Accreditation Commission on Sunday at the association’s annual conference in Tampa, Fla.

AZA requires zoos and aquariums to be accredited in order to be members of the association.  Accreditation is granted for five years, at the end of which the institution must undergo the rigorous investigation again to insure it meets ever-rising industry standards in collection care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety.

“We are very pleased to grant accreditation to the Detroit Zoo,” said Jim Maddy, President and CEO of AZA.  “Zoos and aquariums in North America are continually evolving and reaffirming their commitment to animal care, professionalism, ethics, conservation, and education, and enriching lives in their community.  The Detroit Zoo is no exception.”

The mission of the AZA Accreditation Commission is to establish, uphold and raise the highest zoological and aquarium industry standards through self-evaluation, on-site inspection and peer review.  The accreditation process includes an initial application and three-day inspection by a team of zoo and aquarium professionals.  The inspecting team observes all aspects of the facility’s operation and prepares an extensive written report for the Accreditation Commission.  Finally, a formal hearing is held where top officials are interviewed by the Commission and accreditation is either granted, tabled or denied.

AZA currently represents 210 accredited zoos and aquariums.  AZA’s mission is to support member excellence in animal care, conservation, education, science, and recreation.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11.00 for adults 13 to 61, $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7.00 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 398-0900 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March, and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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