Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s leadership team, including new CEO/President Tom Schmid, are preparing for an appeal hearing with the Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) Board of Directors.

Based on the Zoo’s written request to appeal the denial of its AZA accreditation, the AZA Executive Committee voted to forward the Zoo’s appeal for consideration by the full AZA Board of Directors. The hearing will take place during the Board’s next meeting the afternoon of Dec. 13.

The Zoo filed a detailed request to appeal in November after the AZA Accreditation Commission denied the Zoo’s accreditation in early October. During this process, the Zoo remains accredited.

Following its commitment to remain transparent, the Zoo will inform the public of the AZA Board’s final decision as soon as it is available.

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