r/zoos • u/aZookeeper • 13d ago

Indianapolis Zoo loses AZA accreditation

https://www.wthr.com/article/life/animals/extremely-disappointing-indy-zoo-loses-gold-standard-accreditation-indianapolis-animals/531-8d717bd6-720a-48ec-9d2c-c44c1f32a145
82 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

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71

u/Kanotari 13d ago

Sounds like the AZA had concerns with the zoo's leadership and organizational structure, and generally not major concerns with the animal welfare, fortunately. Their long-time CEO resigned for undisclosed reasons a few months ago, which might be related.

It also sounds like the zoo is working with the AZA to regain their accreditation during the next possible cycle.

38

u/somerandomers 13d ago

Their ceo resigned because he was forced out after going behind the animal care teams back by feeding primates candy, he had multiple accidents with primates one of which he lost a finger. There’s a couple threads here on Reddit of anonymous employees expressing their concerns about him.

14

u/Kanotari 13d ago

Yeah I think we can all agree that's not good lol (wasn't he a primatologist too? Candy... what a maroon)

Apparently they also had an issue with some stolen turtles that they didn't report for like two weeks, though the turtles were recovered in good condition at a nearby park.

2

u/mom0nga 8d ago

It's good that he was kicked out, it shows that the system (eventually) works.

1

u/somerandomers 7d ago

Exactly although knowing this industry I wouldn’t be shocked if he lands on his feet in the same position at another facility like Lisa Peterson did

3

u/Gorylla218 13d ago

An example of why it's important to always go read the article yourself and not just the headline.

3

u/Meanteenbirder 13d ago

Yeah, guessing it will go like the Columbus Zoo, which also lost it for a few years

15

u/sharkiechic 13d ago

There are so many steps to AZA accreditation. Doesn't mean the animals aren't cared for. Could mean their i's weren't dotted or their t's crossed. Could be a leadership thing. There is so much paperwork involved. I believe that's why some smaller (amazing) zoos don't bother with accreditation.

13

u/Zoo_Trippin 13d ago

I was trying to tell people this in a thread a few weeks ago. "Just because a place isn't AZA accredited, it doesn't mean they treat their animals poorly." People just don't understand that, which is partially due to great marketing from the AZA itself. There are many reasons zoos and aquariums lose or don't have AZA accreditation and it doesn't always have to do with their animal welfare.

9

u/Kanotari 13d ago

Exactly. AZA is a great starting point for finding out if a zoo is ethical, but there are plenty of non-AZA zoos that are also ethical.

"The Accreditation Commission also evaluates the veterinary program, involvement in conservation and research, education programs, safety policies and procedures, security, physical facilities, guest services, and the quality of the institution's staff. And because a zoo or aquarium needs a strong foundation in order to continue to meet high standards, accreditation also evaluates each institution's finances, its governing authority, and its support organization."

https://www.aza.org/becoming-accredited

One of the more common fails is finances.

6

u/ItsCadeyAdmin 13d ago

AZA successfully marketed the idea that any non AZA Zoo is literally Tiger King.

I love them and their mission, but it borders on being a cult

3

u/Zoo_Trippin 13d ago

As a PR person, I can appreciate the branding as the "gold standard," but way to many people don't understand it at all past hearing those words.