About Zoos

ABOUT ZOOS

Many people have been brainwashed into the belief that wild animals only belong in “accredited” zoos.  AZA is the oldest and the one known to most.  But do these believers ask what is accreditation?   It is a self imposed set of rules.  AZA accreditation is not set by the government and many of the politicians, who are proponents, have not even asked themselves what their accreditation means – it’s just a habit because AZA is so old. 

If you believe that only accredited zoos and not small privately owned facilities should have wild animals, take a look at the ZAA.  They also have an accreditation process that is very honorable.  Their members are large zoos across the country, from Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, to the San Diego Zoo in California.  They also support responsible private ownership. 

Think about this:  as a small private owner, I have to hold the same license and follow the same state and federal government rules as a large zoo.  Why call me a “roadside zoo” which has a negative connotation?  ZAA is getting the word out about this long time argument. 

Members include large zoos like those mentioned above, to small facilities such as Cougar Ridge which only has 3 big cats.  When you read legislation at the State and Federal level which would ban ownership except for the AZA accredited zoos, you need to update yourself and open your eyes to the ZAA philosophy.  It’s one dozen Board of Directors is an impressive group of professional zooculturists, including well known celebrity Jim Fowler.  Having worked frequently with Mr. Fowler, I know of his strong belief and support of private responsible ownership (see www.cougar-ridge.org, go to Jim Fowler, in Menu bar).  Jim taught me about ZAA and I now feel compelled to do the same with you! 

Let me clarify, I am not criticizing the accreditation process.  I am merely trying to point out that many folks, without questioning it, think it is something set out by our Federal Government and that only AZA has been approved.

Below is an excerpt from the ZAA Mission Statement (please visit their website at www.zaa.org :

ZAA Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote the responsible ownership, management, and propagation of animals in both private and public domains.

We strive to:

·         Serve the needs of our members.

·         Protect and defend the right to own animals

·         Defend the owners of animals against the false allegations and mischaracterizations of "animal rights" activists.

·         Promote legal and ethical methods for sustainable wildlife management.

·         Encourage responsible conservation of genetics through cooperative breeding programs in private and public domains.

·         Promote high standards and ethics through Zoological Association of America accreditation programs.

·         Educate the media, policy-makers and the public through advocacy and adherence to best practices.

·         Promote "conservation through commerce" as the only sustainable alternative to failed command and control wildlife regulations.

Statement of Objectives:

·         Establish professional standards for husbandry and animal care practices.

·         Maintain accurate animal and medical records.

·         Enhance the survival of species by the use of appropriate methods.

·         Maintain an appropriate, safe, and quality existence for animals in captive environments.

·         Establish safety measures for staff, visitors and animals to prevent injury and disease.  

ZAA Members are ethically bound to support and implement the Mission and Objectives of ZAA as outlined in the Mission and Objective Statements, and in general to:

·         Promote the interest of wildlife conservation and biodiversity to society at large.

·         Promote and encourage research and scientific method application toward the betterment of wildlife populations - their husbandry, care and conservation - both in managed environments and wild ecosystems.

·         Cooperate with colleagues and the broader conservation community including private and public entities, breeders, zoological parks, game parks and ranches, sanctuaries, aquariums, museums, wildlife agencies and associated management programs, academic and field researchers and others in an effort to assist in global biodiversity in both managed and wild animal populations.

·         Promote and encourage sustainability of animal populations by sound economic practices and “conservation through commerce” in order to practically and realistically help insure long-term viability of wildlife populations through sensible and comprehensive sustainable yield and renewable resource management practices.

·         Fairly recognize all colleagues and stakeholders engaged in validly-based resource management and accommodate implementation of the many and various, legitimate and proven methods for sustainable yield wildlife and habitat management.

·         Fairly recognize and accept responsibilities for implementation of scientifically based decisions, actions and methods in species management practices as having priority over the possibilities of emotion-based-only choices.

·         Act in accordance with all local, national and international laws in all endeavors and especially as it pertains to the health and well-being of wildlife populations and conservation of natural resources.

·         Conduct all affairs with a high degree of professionalism and with honesty, integrity and fairness to all concerned.