Zoo appealing accreditation loss, says visitors unaffected

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says it is appealing the loss of its most important accreditation and will retain that accreditation during the 30-day appeals process.

The decision announced Wednesday by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, considered the nation’s top zoo-accrediting body, was a major blow to an institution once widely admired in its industry and by the general public. The announcement came a day after the Ohio zoo announced its new leader.

WSYX-TV reports that the zoo sent a long letter to members Friday night with new details, saying would remain accredited through the process of its appeal which must be filed by the end of the month. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the earliest the zoo will be able to apply for accreditation would be September 2022.

The accrediting group cited concerns about the zoo’s animal programs department and inappropriate businesses practices by its former leaders. Investigations and reviews by the Ohio attorney general’s office and the Ohio auditor are pending.

The accrediting body also voiced concerns about the zoo’s acquisition of ambassador animals. A recent documentary raised questions about how celebrity conservationists, including the famous Jack Hanna, acquire exotic animals, and the zoo has since cut ties with animal vendors who don’t meet certain standards of animal care.

Accrediting group staffers hailed changes in leadership and the animal programs department after a recent visit but officials said they want to see that the changes can be sustained. The zoo suggested that accreditation could have been tabled for a year to give the zoo “time for the changes and improvements to be sustained for a longer time.”

Zoo officials said the ruling would not affect operations or the experience of visitors, but lack of accreditation will bar participation in species survival and breeding programs “which will impact species conservation programs.”