The Latest News

SeaWorld Orlando receives prestigious accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Shane Walton
7 hours ago
2 min read

SeaWorld Orlando has been re-accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums following a rigorous inspection process evaluating animal wellbeing, veterinary care, and conservation efforts.

SeaWorld Orlando receives prestigious accreditation from the Associationof Zoos and Aquariums

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has announced that SeaWorld Orlando was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Each application was evaluated by the independent Accreditation Commission and determined to meet AZA's standards for animal wellbeing, care, and management.

"Congratulations to the leadership and staff at SeaWorld Orlando for attaining the global ‘gold

standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president, and CEO of the

Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best

practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and

wellbeing at their core. SeaWorld Orlando has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional

level of care.”

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site

inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes

all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff

training; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management;

governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike

are then thoroughly evaluated by the Accreditation Commission. Finally, the Commission

interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully

granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising

standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous

accreditation process every five years.

“SeaWorld Orlando is honored to be granted AZA accreditation for another five years, as we

have continued upholding this high standard of animal care since we were first accredited 43

years ago,” said Jon “JP” Peterson, SeaWorld Orlando’s park president. “We are proud to be

part of this prestigious group of AZA-accredited institutions and we are particularly proud of our

teams for their devotion and commitment to providing the ‘gold standard’ of care to our animals.”

There are 240 AZA-accredited institutions and 14 AZA-accredited related facility members in 12

countries.

For a complete list of accredited AZA facilities, visit https://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list.

A timely example of SeaWorld Orlando's animal wellbeing and veterinary care team is currently caring for “Melby,” a rescued manatee from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach, now gaining strength ahead of his release.

The Town of Melbourne Beach and Rotary Club of Melbourne Beach visited Melby recently to drop off a card signed by more than 300 local students and community members!

Stay updated on everything happening in Orlando with our coverage of the latest events and things to do across Central Florida. Get the Latest Orlando News now!