Brookgreen Gardens receives prestigious accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has announced that Brookgreen Gardens was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Of the 32 applications for accreditation reviewed by the Commission during AZA’s Annual Conference held in Tampa, Florida, 31 were granted accreditation.

"Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Brookgreen Gardens for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core. Brookgreen has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Accreditation Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

“Brookgreen Gardens is honored to receive this accreditation, as our Lowcountry Zoo provides a sanctuary for hundreds of animals native to the Lowcountry and is a vital part of our mission to preserve and protect the region’s natural flora and fauna,” says Page Kiniry, President and CEO of Brookgreen Gardens. “This accolade further affirms Brookgreen’s leadership in outdoor education and conservation, especially as we prepare to expand those opportunities with the opening of The Purdy Center, our new welcome center and conservatory, this winter.”

There are 240 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facility members throughout the U.S. and 12 other countries. For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, please visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.