Minnesota Zoo receives accreditation for providing excellent animal care

MINNEAPOLIS– The Minnesota Zoo has received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for providing excellent animal care.

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The Minnesota Zoo announced its new accreditation on Friday, saying it came during the AZA’s annual conference in Columbus, Ohio.

“Each year, AZA sends more than 200 accreditation inspectors around the world to review 60 to 70 applications for AZA accreditation. We also have nearly 40 facilities participating in our Pathway Toward Membership program, which is indicative of the growing importance of independent accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of AZA. “AZA’s standards are continually revised to reflect the latest zoological practices based on the latest science and research in animal welfare. It is clear that the best zoos and aquariums want to be part of our association.”

The accreditation process for the Minnesota Zoo included a thorough evaluation to ensure the zoo met a high standard in animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety. This includes detailed application and meticulous on-site inspection.

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The AZA requires zoos and aquariums to go through the accreditation process every five years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the last time the Minnesota Zoo underwent an accreditation process was in 2017.

The Minnesota Zoo has been an accredited AZA member since 1990.

The zoo’s accreditation comes just weeks after the brand new treetop route was introduced.

Opened in July, the Treetop Trail, at 1.2 miles long and 33 feet above the ground, is the longest elevated pedestrian walkway in the world, offering a unique perspective on some of the zoo’s most popular animals.