Submitted by Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
People come to see the animals. To view endangered species they might never otherwise encounter. And, yes, to ohh and ahh over majestic Sumatran tigers, adorable sea otters rafting together, massive walruses twirling in what appears to be an underwater ballet, polar bears diving for fish and other animals large and small.
But when the critical, practiced eyes of Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ (AZA) accreditation inspectors visit Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, they see a high degree of animal care provided by passionate zookeepers, veterinarians and other staff; a strong commitment to conservation and scientific research; a staff that routinely engages and inspires visitors to care about the environment; lush and carefully maintained grounds; and much more.
Point Defiance Zoo has been accredited by AZA since 1983 and was honored with the association’s Quarter Century Award, denoting more than 25 years of continuous accreditation, two years ago.
Just 232 zoos and aquariums are accredited by AZA in the United States and eight other countries.
AZA accreditation standards in animal care and welfare are universally acknowledged as the “gold-standard” within the zoological profession, he added.
“We are fortunate to have a world-class zoo and aquarium in our city, and we are grateful to the zoo staff who pour their hearts into animal care and conservation and to the community that provides unwavering support to the zoo’s mission,” she added. “Whether you visit the zoo, donate money to conservation projects or vote in favor of a bond issue, you are helping Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium achieve continued success.”
The inspection team scrutinized all aspects of the zoo’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.
“The (accreditation team’s) report is among the most extensive I’ve ever seen and is filled with positive comments and recognition of the great work you do,” Varsik wrote in a congratulatory note to zoo staff Sunday morning.
Inspectors highlighted a number of aspects of the zoo’s animal care and operations as particularly noteworthy. Among them:
- Passionate and dedicated staff who display both excellent camaraderie and consistently great morale.
- Longstanding successful participation in Species Survival Plan® managed breeding programs. The zoo is highly regarded for a number of these efforts, including those for endangered clouded leopards, Sumatran tigers, Malayan tapirs and red wolves. All told, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium participates more than three dozen SSPs.
- Laudable commitment to conservation. AZA inspectors were impressed with the zoo’s ability to connect people with nature and wildlife through exciting exhibits, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and outstanding interpretive programming. The inspection team also cited the excellence of the Dr. Holly Reed Wildlife Conservation Fund administered by The Zoo Society. The fund has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants for wildlife research and fieldwork since 2002.
- High-quality care and dedication to the welfare of animals. The zoo’s veterinary team and modern hospital provide excellent care for a wide variety of species – from 4-ton Asian elephants to large marine mammals like polar bears to small animals like mole rats and Madagascar hissing cockroaches. The zoo also provides
animals with some outstanding habitats, the inspection team said, pointing to the natural grasses, trees and bushes of the red wolf exhibit as one example. - A well-trained dive safety staff who administer a strong program that oversees hundreds of dives each year.
- Collaborative programming with Tacoma Public Schools. A new classroom building for the Science and Math Institute (SAMI) is due to open on zoo grounds this fall. The Environmental Learning Center, constructed by the school district, will serve the innovative high school and provide office space for the zoo’s Conservation Engagement team and volunteers.
- Gorgeous, inviting grounds. Beautiful landscaping is meticulously maintained and cared for by a knowledgeable horticulture staff, the inspectors said.
Over the next five years, the zoo will build on this record of excellence in a number of ways, Varsik said.
The $51.6 million, 35,000-square-foot Pacific Seas Aquarium, funded in large measure with bond funds approved by Tacoma voters, is scheduled to open next summer. It will feature exciting new species to the zoo, including scalloped hammerhead sharks, spotted eagle rays and green sea turtles.
In addition, the zoo is constantly seeking new ways to inspire visitors and engage them in the conservation of wild animals and wild places while at the same time continuing to fund critical conservation programs at home and abroad through the Dr. Holly Reed Fund.
“As thrilled as we are to receive another five-year accreditation, we know that there are ways in which we can improve every day in our mission to practice and promote effective conservation on behalf of the world’s wildlife,” zoo Deputy Director John Houck said.
“We are fortunate to have a staff that to a person – whether a zookeeper, veterinarian, grounds crew member, plumber, custodian, cashier,
receptionist, educator or administrator – takes pride in Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and works hard every day to make it the very best it can be.”