FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NOVEMBER 30, 2010
ZOO OF ACADIANA HAS NATIONAL INFLUENCE
BROUSSARD, LA: The Zoo of Acadiana proudly hosted the 6th Annual Conference for the Zoological Association of America in November, here in Lafayette. We welcomed ZAA members from across the country to Acadiana and excitedly showcased our animals and park to the conference’s guests.
The association announced during this four-day annual meeting that Matt Oldenburg, Assistant Director of the zoo, was elected to the Board of Directors for the ZAA. Oldenburg joins other industry officials on this board and is proud to be part of an exciting and growing organization. At 23 years old, Oldenburg represents a younger generation emerging in the field and is the youngest member in the association. The ZAA had a 74% return on votes and other newly-elects include Jim Fowler, of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, as an Advisor to the Board, and Johnny Martinez, of Washington Park Zoo, to the Board.
The Zoo of Acadiana is among other zoos, wildlife centers, similar facilities, and individuals from across the country, as well as some international members, in this organization. Through the ZAA, we are able to network with other members, collaborate on large efforts, and enhance our animals’ family groups.
“The Zoological Association of America was formed for the purpose of promoting responsible conservation, preservation, and propagation of animals in both private and public domains” (www.ZAA.org). The association is concerned with all aspects relating to the care and management of animals, and facilities that excel in this area can apply for accreditation. We are the first and only Louisiana institution to be accredited by the ZAA.
Being a privately owned institution, we are more than grateful for the children and families of Acadiana and surrounding areas that continue to support the zoo by visiting their wild animal friends.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2009
ZOO OF ACADIANA GAINS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
BROUSSARD, LA: The Zoo of Acadiana is pleased to announce our status as an Accredited Facility in the Zoological Association of America. We are more than excited; this is a step forward in the right direction. We are the first and only Louisiana institution to be accredited by the ZAA.
The Zoo of Acadiana joins other zoos, wildlife centers, similar facilities, and individuals from across the country, as well as some international members, in this organization. The zoo will benefit by being able to network with other members, collaborate on large efforts, and enhance our animals’ family groups.
“The Zoological Association of America was formed for the purpose of promoting responsible conservation, preservation, and propagation of animals in both private and public domains” (www.ZAA.org).
The association is concerned with all aspects relating to the care and management of animals. We went through a comprehensive application process earlier this year to become a Facility Member. The zoo then passed a thorough, on-site inspection in June to become an Accredited Facility.
The objectives of accredited facilities, among others, are to: uphold “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 kept in a captive environment, and ensure the safety of humans, both staff and visitors, from injury and disease” (www.ZAA.org).
Being a privately owned institution, we are more than grateful for the children and families of Acadiana and surrounding areas that continue to support the zoo by visiting their wild animal friends.
Matt Oldenburg
Zoo of Acadiana
Matt Oldenburg is a Professional Member in the Zoological Association of America and serves on the Members’ Code of Conduct Committee for the organization.
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Copyright Zoo of Acadiana 116 Lakeview Drive Broussard, LA 70518 (337) 837-4325 WILD@ZooOfAcadiana.org
Zoological Association of America (ZAA): Accredited Facility
The mission of the Zoological Association of America is to promote the responsible ownership, management, and propagation of animals in both private and public domains.
Read the press releases of our progress in ZAA.
American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK): Institutional Member
The mission of the American Association of Zoo Keepers is to advance excellence in the animal keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life.
