This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Business & Tech

Cosley Zoo Earns Accreditation Again

Zoo has been selected for achievement three times.

Cosley Zoo has once again received official accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

During a March 16 presentation at the Wheaton Park District board meeting, AZA Executive Director Kris Vehrs presented Cosley Zoo Director Sue Wahlgren with a plaque stating the accreditation.

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

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

This is the third time that Cosley Zoo has received accreditation. To be accredited, Cosley Zoo underwent a thorough investigation to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety, zoo officials said.

“Cosley Zoo staff works incredibly hard to provide a top-quality facility for both the animals and our visitors. We are extremely proud to be recognized as one of the zoos and aquariums that have been accredited by AZA, an honor achieved by only 8.5 percent of licensed animal exhibitors," Wahlgren said.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspection team prepares an extensive written report for the Accreditation Commission.

Finally, top zoo officials are interviewed at a formal Commission hearing, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied. Any institution that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.

Founded in 1924, AZA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?