1trilliongrams asked:
What should I look for when determine whether a zoo is legit and prioritizes animal over guests? IIRC Joe Exotic created his own accreditation just so he could legally be called a “zoo”.
Joe Exotic and his ilk are trash human beings who use sanctuary status and other legal loopholes to have a poorly maintained private collection. Please don’t even watch the Netflix show - even out of disgust - as that gives them financial power, which is all they really care about.
The best indication that a facility is legitimate is accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which sets the standard in the United States for animal care.
Accredited zoos will have a strong emphasis on educating the public and conservation efforts. Checking out their web presence prior to purchasing tickets is a good way to find out more about a particular facility. In addition to looking for the AZA badge, I recommend to watch for other signs that a facility is more interested in “entertainment” than animal welfare and safety (animal AND human).
Most zoo websites will also have information on their conservation programs, so you can know where your money is going - aside from the care of the animals on site.
Once at the zoo, be sure and ask the keepers if you have any questions! We’re always happy to engage with guests and get them excited about wildlife conservation and what they can do to help!
