NOTE TO MEDIA: Images are available through this Dropbox link. Photo credits can be found in the file names (example: Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium).
POWELL, OHIO – The International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA) announced that the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has earned accreditation through IMATA’s Animal Trainer Development Program. IMATA is committed to advancing the most professional, effective, and humane care and management of marine animals. The Association achieves this by fostering communication among professionals in the fields of training, research, animal care/husbandry in zoological facilities, conservation, and education.
IMATA’s Accreditation for Animal Trainer Development Program was developed to recognize facilities that have exceptional systems for training animal care teams in the science and art of animal training while utilizing positive reinforcement. Inspectors review an organization’s trainer development program to ensure appropriate educational opportunities are being provided, quantification of skills and advancement are employed, materials containing modern training techniques are available readily, and that management experience of senior staff is appropriate for an environment in which trainers can improve their craft as an effective animal trainer.
The accreditation is valid for five years, and then the thorough review process will be implemented to grant accreditation again. The review of the Columbus Zoo’s marine mammal program was completed specifically with the Zoo’s Wild Encounters Pinnipeds team, who cares for nine California sea lions and four harbor seals. As part of the care they provide to the animals, the team regularly trains the animals for exercise, enrichment, and so that they are comfortable voluntarily participating in their own health care, including receiving eye drops, blood collection, and even laser therapy for geriatric animals. This is the first time that the Columbus Zoo has applied for and been awarded IMATA accreditation—a true testament to team’s exceptional skills and commitment. Guests who visit the Columbus Zoo have the opportunity to see some of this training in action during seasonal Sea Lion Training Tales presentations.
“We are pleased to have earned accreditation from the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association in recognition of our Wild Encounters Pinnipeds’ team’s dedication and expertise. This honor reinforces the Columbus Zoo’s standing as a leader in animal care and training, wellbeing, conservation, and education,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
“IMATA’s accreditation process included a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of outside zoological professionals. The inspectors reviewed all aspects of Columbus Zoo's program for the development of its marine mammal caregivers, including evaluating the experience level of those individuals overseeing the program; observing training sessions; interviewing frontline zoological staff; and assessed the resources provided to the team to assist in their personal and professional development,” said Andy Horn, president of the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association.
In addition to the IMATA accreditation, the Columbus Zoo is American Humane Certified™ for the excellent treatment of animals and commitment to conservation; an Institution Member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA); and 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.
For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo, conservation initiatives, events, and more, follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
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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 educational 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. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.
