BAMZ Receives Prestigious AZA Accreditation
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums [AZA] has announced that the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo [BAMZ] has earned official accreditation from AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.
A spokesperson said, “Of the 32 applications for accreditation reviewed by the Commission during AZA’s Mid-Year Meeting held in Palm Springs, Calif., 30 were granted accreditation.”
“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president, and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
“AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core. BAMZ has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”
Dr Ian Walker, BAMZ Principal Curator; Minister of Public Works & Environment Jache Adams; Mariya Tsitron, BZS Operations Officer
The spokesperson said, “AZA Institutions must undergo the Accreditation process every five years to maintain their accredited status. This year’s submission included completing a 33-page questionnaire, resulting in a 1,300-page submission by BAMZ.
“The submission was followed up with an accreditation inspection team, which comprised a CEO, a husbandry expert and a veterinarian from various zoological institutions, who spent three full days on the BAMZ facility.
“This all culminated with Dr. Ian Walker, BAMZ Principal Curator and Patrick Talbot, Zoo & Aquarium Curator at BAMZ appearing for an in-person hearing before an AZA Accreditation Committee, comprising of 22 senior managers from various zoological institutions as well as AZA staff.”
BAMZ has successfully been accredited by the AZA since 1994, and each accreditation cycle the bar is raised, said Dr. Walker.
“An AZA Accreditation is a mark of excellence in the zoological community, reflecting a commitment to high standards in animal welfare, conservation and education,” said Dr. Walker.
“We’re proud to share that we received a clean inspection and have been granted accreditation for the next five years. While accreditation may be reviewed at any point during that period if major incidents or concerns arise, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards.”
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to our dedicated staff, whose hard work and commitment were instrumental in achieving this successful accreditation. This achievement is not only a reflection of our team’s dedication but also of the strong and ongoing partnership between BAMZ and the Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS], our support charity. Their commitment, along with the continued support from the Government, plays a vital role in enabling us to uphold our mission and deliver excellence in animal care, education and conservation. We are deeply grateful for their collaboration and investment in our shared goals.”
Philippe Bacon, BZS President, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved at BAMZ, BZS and the entire BZS Board on achieving this well-deserved accreditation. This milestone is a testament not only to the team’s dedication and excellence but also to the strength of our public/non-profit partnership. Our strengths include our commitment to environmental education, with BZS providing more than 8,000 interactive science experiences for students through the BZS Schools Programme, as well as vital conservation and research programmes, with the aim of fostering a love of the natural world and a sense of responsibility for protecting it. Together, we’ve built a powerful collaboration that continues to drive meaningful impact, and this achievement will only strengthen our shared mission to inspire appreciation and care of island environments. We look forward to continuing this important work side by side.”
Patrick Talbot, Curator Zoo & Aquarium at BAMZ and Dr Ian Walker, BAMZ Principal Curator officially receive BAMZ Accreditation at the AZA Mid-Year Meeting in Palm Springs in March 2025
Minister of Public Works & Environment Jache Adams said: “BAMZ holds a special place in the hearts of Bermudians. It is more than a zoo and aquarium. It is a cultural cornerstone, a learning site, and a gateway for residents and visitors to connect with our island’s unique wildlife and environmental heritage.
“This prestigious accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a powerful validation of the excellence, professionalism, and care that define BAMZ’s operations.
“This recognition reflects years of hard work by a dedicated team and the strength of a public-nonprofit partnership that continues to deliver real value to our community.
“As Minister, I am proud to see Bermuda represented on the global stage through an institution that is not only meeting international standards but setting an example in conservation, education and animal welfare.”
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