AZA Grants Certification To Lubee Bat Conservancy

news release

Contact: Steve Feldman 301-562-0777 ext. 252

AZA Grants Certification To Lubee Bat Conservancy

 

Silver Spring, Maryland (March 16, 2010) – The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced that the Lubee Bat Conservancy was granted certification by AZA's independent Accreditation Commission.

 

Located on a 110-acre property outside Gainesville, Florida, Lubee Bat Conservancy houses the largest and most diverse collection of tropical Old World fruit bats (Pteropodidae) in the world, and is recognized as a unique center dedicated to research, education and conservation of these threatened bats. The center hosts researchers and offers teaching and informal science education opportunities in partnership with colleges, universities, zoological institutions, museums and others.

 

"Lubee Bat Conservancy is one of the best in the world because it has met the highest standards in the world," said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. "It takes hard work and dedication to meet Association of Zoos and Aquariums Standards."

 

Each year Lubee Bat Conservancy connects to the local north central Florida community through environmental education programs delivered to local students, and it's "Florida Annual Bat Festival". Hosted at the center in the fall, this popular "batty" event attracted 2,300 visitors in 2009, offering a world class setting in which to view the real stars of the night; bats. This year, Lubee Bat Conservancy opens the doors of its newly certified center to the public on Saturday 13^th November.

 

To be certified, Lubee Bat Conservancy underwent a thorough investigation to ensure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous review and inspection every five years in order to be members of the Association. 

 

"As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Lubee Bat Conservancy is a true leader in wildlife conservation," Maddy added.

 

The certification process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution's operation in areas such as animal care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; and other areas.  The inspection team prepares an extensive written report for the Accreditation Commission.  Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal Commission hearing, after which certification is granted, tabled, or denied.  Any institution that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission's decision is made.

 

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information about AZA, please visit www.aza.org. For more information about Lubee Bat Conservancy, please visit www.lubee.org

 

Please contact Dr Allyson Walsh (Director) at Lubee Bat Conservancy at 352-485-1250 for additional information about the institution, including special events and activities for visitors and its ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and science education.