“Chehaw Wild Animal Park was granted AZA accreditation because it meets high standards in every aspect of its operations. Albany should be proud to have one of the top zoos in North America as a valuable community asset,” said Jim Maddy, AZA President and CEO.
Chehaw is one of only five AZA-accredited zoos or aquariums in Georgia. The park completed a rigorous application and inspection process over the last nine months to renew the accreditation it has held for a decade, Chehaw Executive Director Doug Porter said.
In June, an independent inspection team consisting of zoo professionals, including at least one veterinarian, from Zoo Atlanta, Knoxville Zoo and Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Fla., interviewed Chehaw personnel and checked to see that professional staff members and high standards were in place, Porter said.
Chehaw also must demonstrate to AZA the organization is commercially viable, he said.
“The thinking is, we have to maintain the zoo and feed the animals for the next five years,” Porter said.
Porter reminded Albany City Commissioners this spring of the accreditation process when asking the city for a five-year, $5 million contract for financial support.
“Our agreement with the city requires us to be accredited,” Porter said. “On both sides, it’s important.”
After observing all aspects of an institution’s environment, including animal care, keeper training, safety, conservation efforts, financial stability and educational programs, the inspection team prepares a written report for AZA’s accreditation commission, which grants or denies accreditation following a hearing.
In Georgia, only Chehaw, Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, Gorilla Haven in Morgantown and the Kangaroo Conservation Center in Dawsonville are accredited by AZA.
Chehaw is gradually increasing its animal population, adding rhinos and a new serval exhibit in recent years, “with an eye toward quality and utilizing the natural beauty out here,” to a current population of about 80 species, Porter said.
