Seal of Approval Maritime Aquarium

National Accrediting Group Gives Maritime Aquarium Seal of Aproval

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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk  announced Wednesday that it again has received a prestigious seal of approval from the organization that sets the top standards for animal care and visitor safety at zoos and aquariums.

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) granted accreditation to the Aquarium for another five years during a meeting this past weekend in Jacksonville, Fla. ___________

— an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium

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“Only the very best zoos and aquariums can meet the ‘gold standards’ set for accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums,” said AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe. “By achieving AZA accreditation, The Maritime Aquarium demonstrates that it is committed to exemplary animal care and welfare, educational and inspiring guest experiences, and AZA’s mission to conserve our world’s wild animals and wild places.”

Of the approximately 2,800 animal exhibitors in North America licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only 230 — or 8 percent — are currently accredited by the AZA. “It is truly an honor to be recognized by AZA for the hard work and dedication this team shows every day while caring for animals and our guests” said Dr. Brian Davis, president of the Maritime Aquarium. “Accreditation is an arduous process that requires adherence and evaluation of strict animal-care guidelines to fulfill the high standards of a premier, accredited facility.”

The AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete a rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association.