Important Message from
The San Antonio Zoological Society

Recently, an online news agency made erroneous accusations and ill attempts to discredit the San Antonio Zoo. On behalf of the San Antonio Zoological Society and the entire Zoo staff, we would like to assure you that our institution conducts an exemplary elephant program, run by professionally trained animal experts who provide superior care.

The San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoo’s and Aquariums (AZA). Fewer than 10% of the approximate 2,400 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are AZA accredited. AZA accreditation standards are science-based and include mandatory elephant standards. Accredited Zoos are an assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, just as one would expect hospitals, doctors or nurses to be registered or accredited for human care, the same holds true for animal care.

The San Antonio Zoo is not only part of the AZA Elephant Taxon Advisory/Species Survival Plan Program, but our Director, Steve McCusker, is an active leader in this important effort. Collectively, the AZA, our Executive Director, our elephant staff and Zoo veterinarians have more than 3,880 years of collective elephant management experience, with approximately 300 elephants. Add to that an extensive network of scientific advisors covering the disciplines of nutrition, veterinary medicine, pathology, behavior, reproduction, population management, education, and research; this cooperative program is managed by the leading experts in the advancement of the health, welfare and conservation of elephants. AZA’s Standards for Elephant Management and Care requires a significant commitment from staff and resources. The San Antonio Zoo exceeds these commitments and works to continuously improve our elephant program.

The San Antonio Zoo is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for animal and plant collections while offering a recreational and educational experience for the one million plus guests who visit annually.

For more information on the San Antonio Zoo’s
elephants, visit these links:

http://www.sazoo-aq.org/animalexhibits/elephants.html
http://www.sazoo-aq.org/animalexhibits/boo_profile.html

Sincerely,

The San Antonio Zoological Society,
and the entire Zoo Staff