The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is writing to express strong support for the San Antonio Zoo, especially as it faces attacks from anti-zoo extremist organizations.  As the independent organization with accreditation oversight of the San Antonio Zoo, AZA can assure you that this institution meets the highest standards of animal care and welfare.

AZA is the accrediting organization for 223 zoological institutions and several in the State of Texas. In this role, we enforce mandatory standards for animal care and welfare; professional staff training; safety for animals, staff, and visitors; conservation science and educational programs; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; and visitor services.

The San Antonio Zoo conducts an exemplary elephant program, run by professionally trained animal experts who provide superior care.   In consideration of these facts, AZA has granted the Zoo a temporary variance from its requirement to have at least two elephants to allow the Zoo time to locate, train and transport a suitable companion animal for its existing elephant.  AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission is scheduled to review the progress and status of this variance at its March meeting.

The San Antonio Zoo is not only part of the AZA Elephant Taxon Advisory/Species Survival Plan Program, but also its Director, Steve McCusker is an active leader in this important effort. With almost 300 elephants, more than 3,880 years of collective elephant management experience, and 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.

By contrast, fringe groups want to deny children and families the opportunity to see and experience wild animals. These extremists do not engage in meaningful wildlife conservation or animal care programs. Moreover, they have mounted attacks on the San Antonio Zoo and other facilities across the country based on allegations that we believe are false and unfounded. These groups seek to remove elephants from zoos as part of their radical agenda to close zoos across the country. We urge you to resist being swayed by these tactics.

AZA accreditation standards are science-based and always rising, including our mandatory standards for elephants.  AZA’s Standards for Elephant Management and Care allow our members to appropriately maintain these magnificent animals, and require a significant commitment of staff and resources. The San Antonio Zoo is meeting these commitments and is continuously improving its elephant program. In fact, the Zoo’s plans for expanding its elephant habitat are consistent with a nationwide trend to increase our commitment to elephants. Sixty other accredited zoos have or are preparing to make these improvements.

The San Antonio Zoo connects people with animals with the goal of inspiring visitors to take conservation action for animals in the wild. A recent study found that visiting accredited zoos and aquariums prompts people to feel a stronger connection to animals and to reconsider their role in conservation.  This provides a benefit not only for school children and families in your community, but for conservation programs worldwide. AZA-accredited institutions draw 175 million visitors annually, including one million people from the San Antonio Zoo community. By directly engaging the public, The San Antonio Zoo and its peer institutions help support conservation and scientific research programs, supporting more than 3,700 field conservation and research projects in 100 countries.  We cannot support these programs without live animals such as elephants.

All AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, including the San Antonio Zoo, have missions built on education and public awareness.  Elephants are leading ambassadors for wildlife in these education programs – offering each visitor a special sense of wonder and appreciation of the natural world.

As elephant experts with an accreditation oversight role over the San Antonio Zoo, AZA is available to answer questions about the mandatory requirements this institution meets to earn its accreditation status, and why accreditation is important. We also again reassure Members of the City Council that the San Antonio Zoo and its programs are in compliance with high standards for animal care and welfare. Your community is fortunate to have the San Antonio Zoo, and your continuing commitment to this facility is much appreciated.

Sincerely,

 

Kristin L. Vehrs
Executive Director
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
8403 Colesville Road, Suite 710
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-572-0777, ext. 229
kvehrs@aza.org