NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos and b-roll are available in this Dropbox link. Photo credits are contained in the file name (example: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium).
POWELL, OHIO AND CUMBERLAND, OHIO - The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds both earned the distinction of American Humane Certified™ for the excellent treatment of animals and commitment to conservation. American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices.
“We are pleased to have earned certification from American Humane, which further solidifies the reputation at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds as among the best institutions for wildlife care and wellbeing, conservation, and education,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds.
“We are thrilled that the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds have met the standards to become American Humane Certified,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds give visitors a unique up-close opportunity to experience the wonders of nature from the land and the sea, helping to inspire the next generation of conservationists. This certification provides American Humane with the opportunity to recognize the extensive reach of the animal welfare movement at zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks around the world.”
Rigorous Certification Standards
To receive American Humane certification, the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds passed a rigorous third-party independent assessment, which reviewed the well-being of animals in their care. The unique process is guided by the latest science and is informed by respected veterinarians and experts in the fields of animal welfare, animal science, zoology, and ethics who have decades of experience in protecting animals.
The independent validation process—which goes above and beyond to help protect animals—provides visitors with the confidence the institution is meeting a high benchmark of care. The process includes a pre-audit application period that is followed up by an onsite visit that assesses animal welfare. Factors considered during the audit include, but are not limited to, housing, food, water, lighting, shade, sound, activity levels, and the training of staff who are interacting with the animals. The benchmarks are species specific.
The American Humane Certified™ program is the first certification effort solely dedicated to helping verify the welfare and humane treatment of animals living in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers across the globe. The program enforces rigorous, science-based, and comprehensive criteria for animal welfare, reviewed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee comprised of world-renowned leaders in the fields of animal science, animal behavior, and animal ethics. The audit helps to verify good practices at deserving zoos and aquariums and offer increased assurance to visitors that the institution they are visiting is worthy of their support.
In addition to the American Humane certification accreditation, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). The Columbus Zoo is also accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums (AMMPA), an international association and accrediting body specializing in marine mammals.
“We welcome the rigorous evaluations of accrediting bodies as they continually push us to improve and exceed the highest standards. Our entire zoological community must unite in safeguarding our profession and upholding the highest best practices. Meeting or surpassing accreditation standards enhances the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. It reinforces our unwavering commitment to empower people and save wildlife,” said Schmid.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide.
Media Contact: Jen Fields, jen.fields@columbuszoo.org
About The Wilds
The Wilds sits on almost 10,000 acres of lush landscapes along the Appalachian Byway and attracts nearly 120,000 visitors annually. With the mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife. The Wilds is among one of the largest, cutting-edge conservation centers in North America and is home to more than 500 animals representing 28 rare and endangered species from around the world. The Wilds operates tours, overnight accommodations, special events, and summer camps as a source of revenue. The Wilds is located at 14000 International Road in Cumberland, Ohio, about 90 minutes east of Columbus. Normal hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day from May through October. For more information, visit TheWilds.org
Media Contact: Jen Fields, jen.fields@columbuszoo.org
About American Humane
American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
Media Contact: Judy Palermo, Judyp@americanhumane.org
