NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos and b-roll of The Wilds can be found here. Photo credits are contained in the file name (example: Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium).
CUMBERLAND, OH – The Wilds announced today that it has earned accreditation by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), an international association and accrediting body. Leadership at The Wilds was notified of this achievement following a comprehensive three-day, on-site inspection in June by a team of experienced zoological professionals, a rigorous review period by the ZAA accreditation committee, and full ZAA Board of Directors approval and voting process.
Founded in 2005, ZAA is a non-profit, membership-based, accrediting organization dedicated to its mission of responsible wildlife management, conservation, and education, and upholding the highest level of professional standards in animal wellbeing, safety, and ethics. The association also emphasizes detailed and accurate record-keeping and engages in advocacy and education for the public and policymakers to promote best practices in animal care. ZAA is unique in that it is comprised of public and private facilities of wildlife educators, rescue facilities, TV and film industry animal experts, wildlife preserves, small community zoos, large zoological facilities, aquariums, and conservation organizations—all working together to elevate the care and wellbeing of wildlife in professional care. The Wilds now joins the ranks of more than 70 facilities accredited by ZAA, including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
ZAA accreditation is a rigorous process that includes an extensive application and site inspection. Facilities are graded in many categories, including the physical facility, husbandry, animal care practices, animal wellbeing, record keeping, knowledge of personnel, animal nutrition, security, veterinary care, safety plans and risk management, and adherence to the ZAA Accreditation Standards. Accreditation must be renewed every five years, requiring that facilities reapply and undergo internal reviews and approvals, as well as the site visit in its entirety, to ensure that standards are upheld.
“I am proud to include The Wilds in our organization,” said Dr. Kelly George, Executive Director of the Zoological Association of America. “They uphold the highest standards in animal wellbeing, safety, and ethics, which aligns directly with our values. Their commitment to conservation, education, and wildlife management exemplifies what ZAA stands for, and we are excited to welcome them as a ZAA-accredited facility.”
“This accreditation is an important recognition of the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” said Tom Schmid, president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. “It reflects our commitment to providing exceptional animal care, advancing conservation, and ensuring the best possible experiences for our guests. We are honored to join the ZAA community and proud to have The Wilds recognized among its accredited institutions.”
In addition to its new accreditation achieved through ZAA, The Wilds is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), is an Institution Member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and holds the distinction of American Humane Certified™ through American Humane.
The Wilds is open year round, with a full selection of tour options offered from May through October and specialty tours available from November through April. For those looking to extend their adventure, The Wilds offers a variety of unique overnight accommodations, including the new Hellbender RV Campground, which opened this spring. For more information about tours, conservation initiatives, events, and educational opportunities, please visit TheWilds.org and follow The Wilds’ social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
