AZA GRANTS ACCREDITATION TO ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND

Silver Spring, Maryland – The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced that Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Atlantis Resort was first accredited and publicly recognized for its high standard of animal care on March 27, 2007.

“Atlantis Resort has demonstrated its leadership within the zoo and aquarium community by meeting high Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation Standards,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “Only the finest institutions in the world rise to this level, and we congratulate the professionals at Atlantis for their hard work.”

To be accredited, Atlantis underwent a thorough review to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.

“Atlantis is an ideal place for people to get in touch with nature,” Maddy added. “Like all Members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Atlantis supports its community by providing affordable family recreation and science-based education programs that inspire.”

The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation in areas such as animal care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and other areas. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied. Any institution that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.