mr.x
Feb 7, 2008, 1:25 AM
We need a mini-zoo for Stanley Park, how many people actually go to the Aldergrove zoo?
Aldergrove zoo gets accreditation back
Chantal Eustace, Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, February 06, 2008
METRO VANCOUVER -- Following years of controversy over the living conditions of its animals, the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove has again been accredited by a national zoo association.
The zoo, which lost its accreditation in 2004 amidst controversy over animal welfare, learned last week its application for renewal was accepted, said spokeswoman Jody Henderson.
"It means a lot to us but we're hoping it will mean a lot to the public at large too," Henderson said in an interview today.
In the past, the zoo has faced scrutiny from animal rights groups and in 2006, was accused by the SPCA of cruelty to animals relating to the housing conditions of Hazina, a baby hippopotamus.
The charge was withdrawn after a new enclosure was built for the hippo.
Renewed membership in the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums proves the zoo's conditions are in line with the rest of the country, Henderson said, adding: "We're very, very happy. It was a lot of hard work."
The accreditation is "better than nothing," said Peter Fricker, a spokesman for the Vancouver Humane Society. But he said more needs to be done to protect wild animals living in captivity.
"It doesn't give us a great deal of comfort in terms of the standards at the zoo," Fricker said. "What we're looking for are some standards to be set by the provincial government."
Paid membership in the national zoo association - a private organization - is voluntary, Fricker noted. He also questioned whether the zoo association's standards are thorough enough.
But Henderson said the one-year accreditation process, which began last February with a written application, was "intensive."
Three inspectors spent three or four days on-site, interviewing staff, examining the animals and their living conditions and reviewing the zoo's infrastructure.
"We looked at every single facet of that operation and obviously, because of the concerns that had been there for some while, we looked at it very, very carefully," said Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums spokesman Bill Peters.
In the end, the zoo met full requirements for accreditation and the inspectors were "entirely satisfied," Peters said, adding that the organization's main concern "the welfare of the animals themselves."
ceustace@png.canwest.com
Aldergrove zoo gets accreditation back
Chantal Eustace, Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, February 06, 2008
METRO VANCOUVER -- Following years of controversy over the living conditions of its animals, the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove has again been accredited by a national zoo association.
The zoo, which lost its accreditation in 2004 amidst controversy over animal welfare, learned last week its application for renewal was accepted, said spokeswoman Jody Henderson.
"It means a lot to us but we're hoping it will mean a lot to the public at large too," Henderson said in an interview today.
In the past, the zoo has faced scrutiny from animal rights groups and in 2006, was accused by the SPCA of cruelty to animals relating to the housing conditions of Hazina, a baby hippopotamus.
The charge was withdrawn after a new enclosure was built for the hippo.
Renewed membership in the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums proves the zoo's conditions are in line with the rest of the country, Henderson said, adding: "We're very, very happy. It was a lot of hard work."
The accreditation is "better than nothing," said Peter Fricker, a spokesman for the Vancouver Humane Society. But he said more needs to be done to protect wild animals living in captivity.
"It doesn't give us a great deal of comfort in terms of the standards at the zoo," Fricker said. "What we're looking for are some standards to be set by the provincial government."
Paid membership in the national zoo association - a private organization - is voluntary, Fricker noted. He also questioned whether the zoo association's standards are thorough enough.
But Henderson said the one-year accreditation process, which began last February with a written application, was "intensive."
Three inspectors spent three or four days on-site, interviewing staff, examining the animals and their living conditions and reviewing the zoo's infrastructure.
"We looked at every single facet of that operation and obviously, because of the concerns that had been there for some while, we looked at it very, very carefully," said Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums spokesman Bill Peters.
In the end, the zoo met full requirements for accreditation and the inspectors were "entirely satisfied," Peters said, adding that the organization's main concern "the welfare of the animals themselves."
ceustace@png.canwest.com