By Staff Reports
(WAIKĪKĪ) – The Honolulu Zoo announced today that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Commission has completed its mid-cycle review and has voted to continue the zoo’s accreditation.
“BRAVO to our zoo director, Linda Santos and her amazing team at the Honolulu Zoo for their tremendous work in caring for the wellbeing of the animals and maintaining the zoo and botanical gardens,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “This achievement is an absolute reflection of their dedication, passion and expertise. We are very fortunate to have a devoted team spearheading the conservation efforts for our entire collection of native, endemic and endangered species. We are all very proud of their accomplishment and congratulate them for upholding the standards of the AZA, and for maintaining Honolulu’s zoo as a beautiful and top visitor attraction for all to enjoy.”
AZA accreditation requires zoos and aquariums to maintain or exceed standards, updated annually, in categories which include animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, financial stability, education, and safety. The AZA inspection team highlights mentioned the Honolulu Zoo’s “conservation programs are extensive and broad in scope,” noted that the zoo nurtures “plants for use as natural animal food and enrichment for many species, especially birds and reptiles,” and that the native “growing snail and native butterfly propagation programs are particularly outstanding.”
“We are very pleased with the AZA’s announcement,” said Linda Santos, zoo director. “Maintaining our accreditation required a coordinated team effort and I would like to recognize the Honolulu Zoo staff for their hard work and commitment, support from the leadership and staff of the numerous agencies of the City and County of Honolulu, and our two support organizations, the Honolulu Zoo Society and SSA Group. We could not have done it without everyone’s contributions. Retaining accreditation will allow us to continue to fulfill our mission by enhancing conservation education, breeding programs, research, and modernization efforts, which will help to improve the overall guest experience for our visitors.”
The Honolulu Zoo’s accreditation will expire in March 2025.