On March 25, the El Paso Zoo has lost its accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) after 45 years. AZA cited “deferred” maintenance issues in older areas of the zoo as the primary reason for the decision.
“I was surprised to hear the news,” junior Alexis Turner said. “I have been going to the zoo since I was little and everything seemed great.”
The AZA emphasized the zoo needs to improve its facilities.
“Improving the facilities can definitely help,” freshman Emma Rogers said. “It’s understandable that the older areas were the problem and needed some fixing.”
Even though the Zoo lost its accreditation, according to El Paso times the AZA praised the zoo for its veterinary care and animal welfare programs.
“It’s good that the animal care was great,” Alexis said. “Though it’s sad they can’t do the same to the problems they faced.”
The zoo is working on addressing the issues, including the renovation of the 60-year-old South American Pavilion building.
“Renovating stuff can definitely help the problem,” Emma said. “60 years is a long time for a building to remain in perfect condition.”
The zoo is still open from Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“I don’t think it is that bad if we can still go the zoo,” freshman Sophia Ballou said. “Even though they lost accreditation doesn’t mean they are terrible.”
Accreditation offers benefits such as public trust and eligibility for federal grants.
“Although accreditation has benefits, people who have been going to the zoo for years still trust it—including me,” Sophia said.
The city of El Paso states the zoo plans to appeal the decision and reapply for accreditation after completing necessary upgrades.
“It is good that they are trying to get accreditation again,” Emma said. “They are learning from their mistakes and fixing them.”
