The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium that the Zoo has earned accreditation from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), an international association and accrediting body. This comes after the zoo lost its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) last year.
The Columbus Zoo said the accreditation comes following a four-day, on-site inspection of the zoo in March by a team of zoological professionals, a review period by the ZAA accreditation committee, and full ZAA Board of Directors approval and voting process.
"Meeting or exceeding all accreditation standards only benefits the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium at every level and supports our commitment to fulfilling our mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife,鈥� said , President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
After from AZA last year, the zoo appealed the association's decision, but that appeal was . The AZA cited financial mismanagement and concern for animal welfare as two major reasons for denying the zoo's accreditation. The Columbus Zoo had held accreditation from AZA for over 40 years.
The zoo was facing multiple scandals before losing its AZA accreditation. The top two officials at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium following a Columbus Dispatch investigation about the improper use of zoo resources. The Ohio Attorney General also into the zoo, as well as an .
In January the zoo's board with former Columbus Zoo CFO Greg Bell and former Director of Purchasing Tracy Murmane. The two agreed to pay back funds they misused while employed by the zoo. Former CEO Thomas Stalf $400,000, although Stalf鈥檚 attorney said he agreed to pay back the money so that he could move forward with his life, but alleged that his client was made a scapegoat.
Former Columbus Zoo director Jack Hanna was also under fire last year after being with the big cat trade industry, allegations that were made public in a documentary titled 'The Conservation Game.'
