Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums facts for kids
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| Founded | 1975 |
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| Type | National not-for-profit organization |
| Focus | Zoo and aquarium accreditation and advocacy |
| Location | |
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Area served
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Canada |
| Method | Accreditation |
| Website | www.caza.ca |
Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) is an important organization in Canada. It helps make sure zoos and aquariums are doing a great job. CAZA represents zoos and aquariums across the country.
These places care for over 100,000 animals. They include more than 2,000 different kinds of wildlife. About 11 million people visit CAZA-accredited places every year. CAZA is also part of big international groups. These groups work to protect nature and animals worldwide.
Contents
How CAZA Started
CAZA was founded in 1975. It began at a meeting of another large zoo organization. This meeting took place in the United States.
CAZA's Name Changes Over Time
Over the years, CAZA has changed its name a few times. Its first name was the "Canadian Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums." This name was used in both English and French.
In 1997, the name became simpler. It changed to the "Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums." Then, in 2012, it changed again. The current name is "Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums." In French, it's called "Aquariums et Zoos Accrédités du Canada" (AZAC). These changes helped make the name clearer.
What is CAZA Accreditation?
CAZA's main job is its special "accreditation program." This program checks if zoos and aquariums meet very high standards. These standards cover many important areas.
Ensuring Excellent Animal Care
CAZA sets rules for how animals are cared for. This includes how animals are transported. It also covers how people and animals interact. The rules make sure animals are treated well.
Operational Standards for Zoos
The program also looks at how a zoo or aquarium is run. This includes having enough staff. It also checks the buildings and facilities. Plus, it makes sure there are plans for emergencies.
The Accreditation Process
To become accredited, a team of experts visits the facility. This team includes veterinarians and animal professionals. They check everything about the zoo or aquarium. They make sure it follows all the rules.
CAZA's Code of Ethics
Members must agree to a special "Code of Ethics." This code has important rules. For example, if animals are taken from the wild, it must not harm their wild populations. It also says that animals cannot be changed physically. This means no cosmetic changes without good medical reasons.
Regular Inspections and Reviews
Accredited facilities are fully checked every five years. If there's a concern, CAZA can do an extra review. This ensures standards are always met.
CAZA's Role in Conservation
CAZA and its members work hard to protect animals. They help bring back different kinds of plants and animals. They also work to save species in Canada and around the world. They often work with governments and other groups.
Saving Endangered Species
CAZA members are involved in many conservation projects. They have nearly 800 programs at their facilities. They also work on about 20 field projects. Many of these projects help save endangered species.
The Canadian Endangered Species Program
CAZA has a program called the Canadian Endangered Species Program (CESP). This program creates long-term plans. These plans help specific Canadian endangered species.
Some of the animals they help include:
- The Vancouver Island marmot
- The burrowing owl
- The spotted owl
- The loggerhead shrike
- The wolverine
- The black-footed ferret
- The whooping crane
- The Oregon spotted frog
For example, efforts to help the burrowing owl started in 1992. Since then, over 1,244 owls bred in zoos have been released. More than 700 artificial burrows were also made. Groups like the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society and the Calgary Zoo helped with this work.
CAZA's Advocacy Work
CAZA also works as an advocate. This means they speak up for important issues. They try to make things better for animals and people.
Pushing for Stronger Rules
In 2013, CAZA asked for stronger rules for exotic animals. They also wanted better licensing for zoos and aquariums. They shared their concerns with mayors in Atlantic Canada.
A CAZA leader explained that cities often don't have enough power. They can't always make sure exotic animals are cared for properly. The mayors agreed with CAZA. They decided to ask their governments for help.
National Support for CAZA's Goals
In 2014, a big group of Canadian cities supported CAZA's ideas. They asked the federal government to lead. They wanted a Canada-wide plan for exotic animal rules. This was in response to a sad event in 2013. It showed the need for better safety rules for exotic animals.
CAZA Publications
CAZA's website shares important information. It has policies and statements on different topics. For example, they have rules about using wild animals in performances. They also have statements about dolphins and whales in captivity.
