The San Antonio Zoo has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoo’s and Aquariums. The announcement was made March 5 by the AZA Accreditation Commission at the AZA Regional Conference in Birmingham, Ala.

A visiting inspection committee conducted a rigorous three-day inspection during January of this year.

The team investigated every facet of the zoo operations including, but not limited to, animal care, conservation efforts, education programs, safety and financial stability.

“I am very proud to once again, with the help of the entire zoo staff, continue to reach, and in many cases exceed, AZA industry standards,” said San Antonio Zoo Executive Director Steve McCusker.

Accreditation of zoos and aquariums became a mandatory requirement for AZA membership in 1980. The San Antonio Zoo was the third zoo in the country to receive accreditation and has consistently held its accreditation since 1975.