Tulsa Zoo gets AZA accreditation

The Tulsa Zoo has received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation Commission.

The commission also commended the Tulsa Zoo for the hard work it has put into making improvements.

The AZA conducts regular facility inspections at all AZA-accredited zoos and found the Tulsa Zoo to be in compliance with the requirements of accreditation which include animal care, veterinary programs, finance, 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.

“Only zoos and aquariums that meet the highest standards are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “The community should take great pride in knowing that the Tulsa Zoo is ranked among the best zoos and aquariums in the world.”

Since the last AZA accreditation hearing, Tulsa Zoo Management Inc. has also completed its 20 year Master Plan. Zoo officials say the new Master Plan for the Tulsa Zoo will guide future revitalization and development of the zoo as it builds new exhibits and attractions.

Zoo officials want that plan to be included as a Quality of Life project on the proposed Vision2 proposition, which is an extension of Vision 2025.

“With privatization complete, accreditation secured and the Master Plan in place, we are ready to move forward as soon as possible with many of the exciting projects in the plan,” said Terrie Correll, CEO of Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. “We would use the funds from Vision2 to help complete the first phase of the Master Plan, which includes a new Asian cat exhibit, an improved chimpanzee exhibit and a completely revamped African savannah exhibit.”

The Tulsa Zoo has already begun fundraising for the Master Plan.