SILVER SPRING, MD, April 19, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced that the Montréal Biodôme was granted accreditation by AZA's independent Accreditation Commission.
"The Montréal Biodôme 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 the Montréal Biodôme for their hard work."
To be accredited, the Montréal Biodôme 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.
"The collaboration between the Biodôme and the other Space for Life institutions has generated a sense of synergy which will add greatly to the mission of the Biodôme and the role of zoos and aquariums, by connecting guests with nature and animals," Maddy added. "The Montréal Biodôme supports its community by providing affordable family recreation and science-based education programs that inspire."
Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, the Executive Director of the Montréal Space for Life, which includes the Biodôme, Botanical Garden, Insectarium and Planetarium, said: "the Montréal Biodôme is an ideal place for people to get in touch with nature, and this 'seal of approval' from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a great reminder to come and visit."
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.
CAZA accreditation
The Montréal Biodôme will share its AZA report with its Canadian partner, the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), which will use it when it conducts its own accreditation of the Biodôme, this coming fall.
Please contact Karine Jalbert at the Montréal Biodôme at 514 872-1453 for additional information about the institution, including special events and activities for visitors and its ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and science education.
Steve Feldman, AZA, 301.562.0777 x252
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