In the news: Don Moore

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has appointed Dr. Don Moore, associate director of Animal Care Sciences at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Chair of its Accreditation Commission for 2012. Dr. Moore served as Vice Chair of the Commission in 2011.

Dr. Don Moore (Photo by Jessie Cohen)

As Chair, Moore will lead the AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, a group that reviews written reports from trained zoo and aquarium peer-professionals, leads inspection teams through the inspection process, and interviews top institutional officials at formal hearings. The Accreditation Commission then grants, tables or denies accreditation. The accreditation process takes into account all operations in areas such as animal care; veterinary programs; staff training; risk management; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; visitor services; and other areas.

AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete the rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association. By meeting high accreditation standards, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo has demonstrated its leadership among the world’s zoos and aquariums.

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