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IV. AZA Accreditation Program and Code of Professional Ethics . 



The AZA monitors the activities of its members through an accreditation program. One 

 of the foremost objectives of the AZA is to maintain high professional standards and to influence 

 continuing growth of superior zoological parks and aquariums. In developing and updating its 

 accreditation program, the AZA is especially concerned with the need for high standards of 

 animal management and husbandry. This objective is paramount in the maintenance and care of 

 living collections. Good conscience permits no higher priority. The Accreditation Commission 

 also accords special attention to how these living collections are used. 



Accreditation certifies that an institution is currently meeting standards established by the 

 Association and is based upon the informed judgment of experienced individuals within the 

 profession. Zoological parks and aquariums must qualify for accreditation at least once every 

 five years. Facilities may be inspected during the five year period if suspected problems are 

 presented to the AZA. 



Both institutional and individual members are bound by the AZA Code of Professional 

 Ethics. This Ethics Code was developed by the profession and is the standard by which proper 

 conduct is measured. 



The AZA Ethics Board, composed of 9 professional AZA members elected by the voting 

 membership is responsible for developing and maintaining the Code, as well as investigating 

 formal written complaints of Code violations and initiating investigations on its own. Anyone 

 can bring an ethics charge against an AZA institution. Based on the results of these 

 investigations, the Ethics Board makes recommendations for appropriate action to the Board of 

 Directors. 



The Code includes obligations of professional ethics and mandatory standards. Deviation 

 by a member from the Code of Professional Ethics is considered unethical conduct and the 

 member becomes subject to investigation by the AZA's Ethics Board and, if warranted, to 

 disciplinary action. 



The AZA is always refining and revising its ethics guidelines based on the professional 

 expertise of its membership. For example, last spring, the AZA and Georgia Tech University 

 convened a conference to consider ethical issues facing the Species Survival Plan. Funded by a 

 grant from the National Science Foundation, the conference brought together nearly 50 experts in 

 animal welfare, wildlife conservation and management, environmental ethics, and zoo biology to 



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Document K5213 



