Utica Zoo Could Become Home to More Exotic Animals and Exhibits

A tireless effort and never give up attitude has met its reward at the Utica Zoo.  They are now one of just 232 facilities to receive Accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Meaning more access to animals, programs, and funding.

Any recent visit to the zoo was a first-hand look at their efforts to gain re-accreditation, a status they lost in 2004. The process was a year-long effort of application paperwork and inspections, that included addressing 12 findings as recent as July of this year. So why is accreditation so important?

It means the Zoo is following “modern Zoological practices” and gives access to expanded participation in animal exchange and breeding programs and the ability to collaborate with world-renowned animal care specialists. The status also means more grants and funding will be available to expand.

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