The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has climbed its way back to join the ranks of accredited after nailing the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) standards, which, according to the zoo officials, is no walk in the park. The AZA stamp of approval, often called the 'gold standard' of the zoological world, has been awarded to the facility, indicating its dedication to top-notch animal welfare, conservation efforts, safety measures, and educational value, as reported by CBS News.

After a split from the AZA in 2015 over elephant handling issues, the Pittsburgh Zoo's re-accreditation is a significant achievement. This isn’t just a badge of honor; it reflects many changes and ongoing reviews to meet high standards. According to WTAE, the zoo has now followed updated policies and passed regular animal welfare checks, making it one of 252 AZA-accredited institutions worldwide.

"Earning AZA accreditation reflects excellence and unwavering dedication to the highest standards of animal care and conservation," expressed Dan Ashe, AZA's president and chief executive officer, as cited by CBS News. When the chatter concerns the well-being of furry and finned residents, it seems the zoo's efforts have paid off. Furthermore, the zoo's conservation center in Somerset has reportedly caught the eye of the AZA for its impressive health records of the inhabitants.

The process might sound like a series of checkboxes on paper, but the zoo was put through the wringer with multi-day inspections that left no stone unturned, from animal habitats to staff safety protocols. Dr. Jeremy Goodman, Pittsburgh Zoo president and CEO, noted to CBS News that "all aspects of Zoo operation were analyzed," which includes seemingly minute details such as the curation of gift shop offerings. Their efforts convinced the AZA Accreditation Commission, sealing the deal unanimously in favor of the re-accreditation.