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Silver Spring, Maryland (April 10, 2013) – The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced that The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory was granted its third accreditation in a row by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.
“Only zoos and aquariums that meet the highest standards are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “The community should take great pride in knowing that The Aquarium at Mote is a proven leader in the care and conservation of wildlife, and in inspiring people to take action to protect the natural world.”
To be accredited, The Aquarium at Mote 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 Aquarium at Mote has successfully received accreditation each time it has been reviewed since its original accreditation in 2003.
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, including 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.
“We are proud to receive AZA Accreditation — this is the highest seal of approval we could earn for our outstanding animal care, conservation and public outreach,” said Dan Bebak, Vice President for The Aquarium at Mote.
Zoos and aquariums can make a real difference in public attitudes toward conservation, according to the AZA report “Why Zoos & Aquariums Matter: Assessing the Impact of a Visit to a Zoo or Aquarium.” According to the report, zoo and aquarium visits lead guests to reconsider their role in environmental problems and conservation action — and to see themselves as part of the solution. Zoos and aquariums also help strengthen connections between visitors and nature.
Strengthening connections to our oceans is a major focus of the science-based education in The Aquarium at Mote, said Mote President and CEO Dr. Kumar Mahadevan. “Our Aquarium is a natural extension of the world-class marine research that Mote Marine Laboratory has been doing since it opened its doors in 1955,” Mahadevan said. “By sharing our marine science with visitors and allowing them to come eye-to-eye with amazing animals, we are working to help the public become more ocean literate and to inspire the next generation to protect our oceans.”
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.
Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 research organization based in Sarasota, Fla., with field stations in eastern Sarasota County, Charlotte Harbor and the Florida Keys. Donations to Mote are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Mote is dedicated to today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans with an emphasis on world-class research relevant to conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, healthy habitats and natural resources. Research programs include studies of human cancer using marine models, the effects of man-made and natural toxins on humans and on the environment, the health of wild fisheries, developing sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies and the development of ocean technology to help us better understand the health of the environment. Mote research programs also focus on understanding the population dynamics of manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and coral reefs and on conservation and restoration efforts related to these species and ecosystems. Mote’s vision includes positively impacting public policy through science-based outreach and education. Showcasing this research is The Aquarium at Mote, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year. Learn more at www.mote.org.
Contact: Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. (941) 388-4441 or info@mote.org.
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