Over the last few days, we have looked back on the successes AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums celebrated in 2019. Now, as we enter into a new decade, it is time to look ahead. AZA-accredited facilities are leaders in the zoological profession, innovating the field of animal care and welfare. They are pioneers of conservation, spearheading projects around the globe. They are constantly expanding and improving guest experience, education, and veterinary care, in accordance with our ever-evolving accreditation standards. Here's what we've accomplished this year and what the future has in store...
- ZooMontana achieved AZA accreditation and rejoined AZA after 8 years of hard work. Accreditation signifies that ZooMontana is a leader in conservation, animal care and welfare, and meaningful guest experiences.
-Seattle Aquarium earned two features in the Seattle Business Times highlighting the future of the aquarium. The aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion, which opens in 2023, will welcome a projected 1.2 million guests per year and position the Aquarium as a must-see attraction. Read what President Bob Davidson has to say on the value of the aquarium to the community.
- Tulsa Zoo broke ground on its new $3 million “Behaving Like Animals” playground designed for children to connect with nature. True to its conservation promise, the Zoo transplanted the trees occupying the site rather than cutting them down. The playground is scheduled to open to the public in Spring 2020.
- Birmingham Zoo completed the second phase of renovation project, “Arrival Experience.” The renovation includes a new entrance to the zoo, a new learning center, and modernized offices and event spaces. The next phase of the $15 million capital improvement project will entail renovating the Zoo’s Predator building to highlight Asian species. Watch the ribbon cutting ceremony here.
- Following three years of careful planning and fundraising, David Traylor Zoo in Emporia secured a $300,000 Capitol Federal cap-stone challenge grant to help fund its Oasis Campaign. The Zoo will undertake eight new capital projects as part of the campaign, including a signature North American river otter exhibit and Hopkins Family Education Center.
- San Antonio’s Will Smith Zoo School was awarded LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, becoming the first preschool campus in the country to have earned this designation. The campus, which opened in 2018, was rated on sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resource, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design process.
- The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island was certified as an N.C. Green Travel destination, designating it among sites in the state that have achieved sustainability goals to reduce energy use, landfill waste and overall impact on the environment. The Aquarium achieved a three dogwood blossom rating – the highest level awarded by the program. The aquarium joins the North Carolina Aquariums at Fort Fisher and Pine Knoll Shores on the list of green travel destinations.
- Greensboro Science Center created local, national, and international buzz after detailing its ambitious 2020-2030 master plan, aimed at renovating and expanding the facility as part of the Gateway Project. The Gateway Project will include up to $45 million in capital improvements. It will support around 460 jobs and is expected to have a positive economic impact of $80 million over the 10-year period. Read more from the man who is making it all happen: Glenn Dobrogosz.
- Detroit Zoo announced a groundbreaking renewable energy plan, which entails drawing all electricity from Michigan wind farms. The project will begin in 2021 and is the zoo’s latest step in its sustainability initiative. The Zoo also offsets its energy consumption with carbon credits, uses solar/electric golf carts for transportation, and creates biogas on site using an anaerobic digester.
Let's resolve to make 2020 another great year!