EUREKA, CA – Zoo officials are excited to announce that Sequoia Park Zoo has once again received the honor of national accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), marking over a quarter-century of excellence in animal care and welfare. First accredited in 1995, Sequoia Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in California and also one of the smallest to receive this distinction.
The AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete a rigorous accreditation process and inspection by top zoo experts every five years in order to remain members of the Association. The inspection team observed all aspects of the institution’s operations and focused on areas such as animal care and veterinary programming, staff training, safety, education programs, conservation efforts, financial stability, support organization and guest services. Zoo staff prepared an extensive report that was reviewed by the Accreditation Commission, which then formally interviewed zoo officials. The Commission granted the Zoo accreditation at the hearing, with a special mention of the zoo’s dedicated staff, conservation efforts including native plants and butterflies, and the addition of the world-class Redwood Sky Walk.
We might be one of the smallest accredited zoos around, but our staff is dedicated to the work we do here. Accreditation is a big deal, and I’m proud of our Sequoia Park Zoo team whose hard work made this distinction possible.
Jim Campbell-Spickler, Zoo Director
The Zoo’s new Zoo Director Jim Campbell-Spickler stated, “It was heartening to hear AZA inspectors and accreditation committee members recognize the quality of our animal care professionals and the excellent job we’re doing with our education and conservation mission. We might be one of the smallest accredited zoos around, but our staff is dedicated to the work we do here. Accreditation is a big deal, and I’m proud of our Sequoia Park Zoo team whose hard work made this distinction possible.”
“The Sequoia Park Zoo is a treasured Eureka resource, one that continues to meet the highest of standards in animal care, wildlife conservation and meaningful guest experiences as reflected in the newly opened, exceptional Redwood Sky Walk. City of Eureka staff are proud of these recent accomplishments and will continue to strive for excellence as we work hard to deliver the new Bear/Coyote Exhibit in 2022 in partnership with the Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria,” said Community Services Director, Donna Wood.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA represents more than 240 facilities in the United States and overseas, which collectively draw more than 200 million visitors every year. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs.
For more information, call (707) 441-4247.
