South Carolina Aquarium Receives AZA Accreditation
For Immediate Release, March 2007http://www.scaquarium.org
The Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) awarded the South Carolina Aquarium with accreditation for the second time
Today, at a hearing in Denver, South Carolina Aquarium executives Kevin Mills, President and CEO, and Jason Crichton, Director of Husbandry and Facilities accepted accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
“Only the very best zoos and aquariums can meet tough Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “The leadership and staff of the South Carolina Aquarium are to be congratulated for the hard work and commitment that they put into the accreditation process.”
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of accredited zoos and aquariums in the areas of animal care, wildlife conservation, education and science. AZA is America's leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums, and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal health, education, wildlife conservation and science.
To receive this honor, the South Carolina Aquarium participated in a very lengthy evaluation process, which required the completion of a detailed questionnaire including copies of Aquarium policies, procedures, records, lists and reports. After the Accreditation Commission studied the application, a team of inspectors visited the Aquarium in person. Each AZA Accreditation team consists of at least one veterinarian along with animal and operations experts. The inspectors spent several long days at the Aquarium, visiting every area, interviewing staff, checking records and examining the physical facilities.
The Accreditation Commission evaluated the Aquarium to make sure it meets AZA's standards for animal management and care, including living environments, social groupings, health and nutrition. The Accreditation Commission also evaluated the Aquarium's finances, its governing authority, the veterinary program, involvement in conservation and research, education programs, safety policies and procedures, security, physical facilities, guest services and the quality of the Aquarium staff.
“We are delighted to be one of a select number of institutions accredited by AZA,” commented Kevin Mills. “This designation reflects the hard work of our staff, board and volunteers in adhering to very rigorous standards.”
In particular, the Accreditation Commission noted the progress the Aquarium is making in its strategic planning. The draft document, which will be presented to the Aquarium board for approval in May, includes plans for an expanded animal health program to continue to meet the needs of a growing collection and to provide for veterinary research related to sea turtles. An on-site medical care facility will begin construction later this summer, and the Aquarium will retain the services of a full-time veterinarian.
The South Carolina Aquarium first received AZA accreditation in 2001 and is required to participate in the entire evaluation process again in five years.
For all media inquiries, please contact Beth Nathan at (843) 579-8660 or bnathan@scaquarium.org.
About the South Carolina Aquarium:
The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s most visited attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents fabulous views of Charleston harbor and interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.
The South Carolina Aquarium, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5 p.m.) from April 1 to August 15 and is open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.) from August 16 to March 31. The Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day, half day Dec. 24 (open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Dec. 25. Admission prices are: Children 1 and under (free); Youth 2-11 ($8); Adults ($16); Seniors 62+ ($14). Military, senior, college and group discounts are available. For more information call 843.720.1990 or visit www.scaquarium.org. Memberships are available by calling 843.577.FISH.
