BATON ROUGE, La. - BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo has reclaimed its prestigious accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), following a vote held in Tennessee on Monday, March 18.
This accreditation places the zoo among the elite group of facilities nationwide, as only about 10 percent of zoos and aquariums in the United States hold this esteemed recognition. The AZA represents over 235 facilities across the country.
To attain accreditation, a zoo must meticulously demonstrate compliance with every standard pertinent to its facility type. This involves providing extensive documentation and hosting an on-site inspection team for multiple days. The team scrutinizes all aspects of the facility, from major infrastructure to minor operational details, and commends initiatives that align with AZA standards.
The Baton Rouge Zoo faced a setback in 2018 when it lost its accreditation. However, its recent achievement coincides with ongoing efforts to enhance the property. Renovations are currently underway, with a focus on upgrading various aspects of the zoo experience.
“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, we 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,” stated BREC Superintendent Corey K. Wilson. “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.”
The initial phase of construction includes several enhancements such as a new entrance and entryway, an orientation plaza, a giraffe feeding station, a pygmy hippo exhibit, and a revamped train route. These improvements reflect the zoo’s dedication to providing an enriching and memorable experience for visitors while meeting the highest standards of animal care and welfare.
The accreditation reaffirms BREC’s commitment to excellence and underscores its vision of establishing a premier destination for wildlife conservation, education, and recreation in the region.
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