Kansas City Zoo earns continued accreditation

The Kansas City Zoo has earned a continuation of its professional accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the association announced Wednesday.

Zoos undergo scrutiny and an on-site inspection every five years. An inspection team with professionals from the Albuquerque, Wichita, Atlanta and Fort Wayne zoos spent four days in early July inspecting the Kansas City Zoo. They looked at animal care, keeper training, safety, educational programs, conservation efforts, veterinary care, financial stability and visitor services.

“When people visit the Kansas City Zoo, they can be assured that they are supporting a facility that is a leader in the care and conservation of wildlife,” association president Jim Maddy said in a statement announcing the accreditation.

Kansas City Zoo director Randy Wisthoff said officials learned of the renewed accreditation at the association’s meeting Friday in Salt Lake City. He said the organization praised the zoo for several things, including the taxing district approved in Jackson and Clay counties, the zoo’s education programs and its wildlife conservation initiatives.

The zoo also has recently added a safety specialist to the staff. That person will help the zoo conduct safety drills, among other things.

“We’re just proud of the progress we’ve made,” Wisthoff said. “We think we’ve made great strides. We’re happy, of course, that we’re accredited again.”

This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 10:32 AM with the headline "Kansas City Zoo earns continued accreditation."