Aquarium earns top association accreditation

The South Carolina Aquarium Monday received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Kevin Mills, aquarium president and CEO, and Jason Crichton, director of husbandry and facilities, accepted the accreditation during a hearing Monday in Denver.

“Only the very best zoos and aquariums can meet tough Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy.

“The leadership and staff of the South Carolina Aquarium are to be congratulated for the hard work and commitment that they put into the accreditation process.” The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of accredited zoos and aquariums in the areas of animal care, wildlife conservation, education and science.

AZA is America's leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums, and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal health, education, wildlife conservation and science.

To receive this honor, the South Carolina Aquarium participated in a lengthy evaluation process, which required the completion of a detailed questionnaire including copies of aquarium policies, procedures, records, lists and reports.

After the accreditation commission studied the application, a team of inspectors visited the aquarium. Each AZA accreditation team consists of at least one veterinarian along with animal and operations experts.

The inspectors spent several days at the aquarium, visiting every area, interviewing staff, checking records and examining the physical facilities. “We are delighted to be one of a select number of institutions accredited by AZA,” Mills said.“This designation reflects the hard work of our staff, board and volunteers in adhering to very rigorous standards.”

The accreditation commission noted the progress the aquarium is making in its strategic planning. The draft document, which will be presented to the aquarium board for approval in May, includes plans for an expanded animal health program to continue to meet the needs of a growing collection and to provide for veterinary research related to sea turtles.

An on-site medical care facility will begin construction later this summer, and the aquarium will retain the services of a full-time veterinarian.

By Daily Journal Staff