ABQ BioPark Earns AZA Accreditation for Another Five Years
Recognition continues a decades-long commitment to animals, conservation, and the Albuquerque community.
The ABQ BioPark has earned another five years of accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), extending a 45-year record of meeting the highest standards in animal care, conservation, and education.
The accreditation was awarded on September 29, following a comprehensive review of the BioPark and its operations in June. AZA-accredited institutions must complete the full accreditation process every five years to retain status as professional standards continue to change. The BioPark has been continuously accredited since March 1981.
“Earning accreditation again reflects the exceptional commitment and professionalism of our BioPark staff,” said ABQ BioPark Director Brandon Gibson. “Our community trusts us to provide optimal care for the animals, as well as a safe, fun, and educational experience for guests. I’m incredibly proud of our team and what we continue to build together.”
Only about 10% of animal exhibitors licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are also accredited by AZA, which involves a detailed application and an on-site inspection by a team of zoo and aquarium professionals. Inspectors examine animal care and well-being, veterinary programs, staff training, conservation work, education, safety, facilities, financial stability, risk management, and guest services. Following the inspection, BioPark leaders appeared before AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, who made the final decision.
“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at the ABQ BioPark for attaining the global gold standard in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe. “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. ABQ BioPark has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”
“The BioPark has been part of the Albuquerque community for generations,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This recognition speaks to the people who care for the BioPark each and every day and make it possible for us to connect with wildlife, learn about conservation, and enjoy these special places together.”
Advancements continue across the BioPark with recent investments including a new on-site CT scanner that allows veterinary staff to get detailed images without transporting animals off-site, supporting diagnosis, preventive care and long-term health monitoring. The recently completed Running Wild: Cheetahs and More also includes a new 14,000-square-foot cheetah habitat and updated spaces designed to give animals greater variety of living spaces.
More than 1.5 million people visit the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach each year, and the BioPark is home to thousands of animals and plants cared for by zoological, marine, and botanical experts.