News BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Again Earns Prestigious National Accreditation

Baton Rouge, LouisianaMar 18, 2024After an extensive year-long process which includes a lengthy application, in-person inspection and an official hearing, BREC is thrilled to announce that the Baton Rouge Zoo has once again joined the approximately 10% of zoos and aquariums in the United States to achieve the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation. AZA represents more than 235 facilities in America and overseas dedicated to the advancement of conservation, education, science and recreation. AZA accredited zoos and aquariums meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe and educational family experience.

Being accredited by the AZA is the gold standard as the rigorous process can take up to a year. It includes a lengthy application that includes nearly 400 standards. Documentation is required to show proof that the zoo or aquarium is meeting every standard relevant to its facility type. Then an inspection team of zoo professionals with expertise in administration, animal husbandry and veterinary care spends between three and four days on site reviewing the facility. The inspection team develops a list of initiatives the organization is doing well, concerns from the previous inspection five years prior (if applicable), any major concerns as well as any minor concerns.

The institution applying for accreditation develops a response to the concerns and how they are, or will be, addressed. That is followed by a hearing and vote to determine if the institution has gained accreditation, earned provisional accreditation or if accreditation is tabled or denied. That vote was held Monday afternoon in Memphis, Tennessee where AZA leadership recognized six years of tireless work by staff at the zoo and many other BREC departments, two nationally renowned consulting teams, gifted contractors and a supportive Commission and community.

“In 2018, we were devastated to announce that for the first time in its history, the Baton Rouge Zoo was denied accreditation. At the time, the AZA accrediting body recognized the good work being done by talented staff while determining that there must be a significant investment in the zoo’s infrastructure,” said BREC Superintendent Corey K. Wilson. “We are now poised to unveil a more than $50-million investment in both the Zoo and Greenwood Community Park and with today’s news plan to make that celebration one to remember as we mark this achievement along with the first phase of the largest construction project in BREC’s history. We know there is still work to be done to bring the entire zoo master plan to reality and have committed to creating a world class zoo for East Baton Rouge Parish,” said Wilson.

“I am so proud of each and every member of our staff who continued to work at a high level during very challenging times,” said Baton Rouge Zoo Director Jim Fleshman. “No matter the obstacle, they kept the well-being of the animals at the forefront of their efforts while focusing on delivering a great experience to every visitor who continued coming to the zoo during construction. Now that our goal of achieving accreditation has been met, we will turn our full focus on putting the final touches on construction, helping the animals acclimate to their new habitats and planning a celebration to remember!” said Fleshman.  

All American animal facilities must be permitted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Agency as it is the group that enforces the Animal Welfare Act. Throughout its history, The Baton Rouge Zoo has remained in good standing with the USDA and is proud to have been the first zoo in Louisiana to become an AZA accredited institution and one of the first in the nation. The zoo will apply for accreditation again in five years.

Among many other improvements, the first phase of construction for the zoo includes a new entrance and entryway, orientation plaza, giraffe feeding station, pygmy hippo exhibit and new train route. Despite the drought, record heat and construction, in 2023 the Zoo served nearly 200,000 visitors from across the country.