CUMBERLAND, Ohio - The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced that The Wilds was granted full accreditation this week.
At nearly 10,000 acres, The Wilds is one of North America's largest wildlife conservation centers. The Wilds provide wide open pastures for various rare and endangered animals around the world to roam and coexist.
"I'm incredibly proud of the entire Wilds team for earning this accomplishment. The AZA has continuously accredited The Wilds since 1996, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to be a facility that combines cutting-edge conservation science and education programs with unique guest opportunities," said Dr. Joe Smith, VP of The Wilds.
To be accredited, The Wilds underwent a thorough review to assure it has and will continue to meet rising standards in every aspect of its operations, including animal care and wellbeing, veterinary medicine, wildlife conservation, and research, conservation education, and safety. AZA requires facilities to complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.
"I am so proud of our team at The Wilds for their dedication and passion to our mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. Achieving accreditation builds on our strong foundation on our commitment to animal wellbeing, wildlife conservation, research, and education," said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
There are currently 241 AZA-accredited facilities and 15 AZA-certified related facility members throughout the U.S. and 12 other countries.
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About The Wilds
The Wilds, one of the largest conservation centers in North America, is home to rare and endangered animals from around the world along with hundreds of indigenous species. The mission of The Wilds, a nonprofit organization managed by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. 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
