County Zoo Accredited by Zoological Association of America

SWAINTON — The Cape May County Zoo recently achieved accreditation from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), and is one of only nine zoos in the country to hold dual accreditation from both the ZAA and AZA, according to a release.   
The zoo received reaccreditation last year by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Both organizations have stringent guidelines for accreditation, and the Cape May County Zoo met and exceeded those standards.   
The ZAA requires a thorough review of the facility in addition to a lengthy application and an on-site inspection.  
As part of its core mission, ZAA accredits professional zoological facilities, and accreditation is predicated on promoting the highest standards of animal welfare, as well as public and staff safety.
Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, liaison to the  County Park and Zoo, stated in announcing the accreditation, “We are honored to have achieved such a unique distinction, it further proves what we all already know, the Cape May County Zoo is one of the finest zoos in the world.”
Education and research are also a major part of the work at ZAA and the accredited member institutions are also involved in conservation.
Their work includes reintroduction programs, rescue and rehab, and a series of predator/prey conflict avoidance programs and studies as well as maintenance of robust captive populations of threatened or endangered species.
Dr. Hubert Paluch, zoo director, added, “It is no surprise that our zoo received accreditation by the ZAA. The zoo staff works hard to provide the best care for the animals and the park staff does an outstanding job in maintaining the park and zoo.  We are extremely proud of achieving both accreditations.”
“The Cape May County Park and Zoo is the pride of the county, the Board of Chosen Freeholders congratulate and thank the staff for the amazing job they do.  In our travels around the state, we hear accolades from so many who love our zoo”, Hayes added.