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Ocean Park's Fifth Consecutive AZA Accreditation Validates its World-class Standards for Animal Care and Conservation Education

2024-04-24

Ocean Park Corporation has received accreditation from the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), marking an incredible achievement for the fifth consecutive time. AZA is the world's most recognised organisation for advancing zoos and aquariums in conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. This accomplishment grants the Park another five-year accreditation term, totalling 22 years* of continuous accreditation.
 
“Congratulations to the staff at Ocean Park Corporation for achieving the world’s ‘gold standard’ for the zoological and aquarium profession,” said Dan Ashe, AZA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “AZA’s standards continually evolve to reflect best practices in animal care and well-being, veterinary care, conservation, scientific advancement, and safety and security, among other things. With this assurance, the public can trust that the animals at Ocean Park Hong Kong receive the highest level of professional care and welfare, and there is a deep commitment to their conservation in the wild.”

Paulo Pong, Chairman of Ocean Park Corporation, said, "The AZA accreditation entails a rigorous evaluation process. We are honoured to have achieved this esteemed global recognition for 22 years in a row, showcasing our untiring pursuit towards world-class standards, and our unwavering commitment to best practices, science-based animal husbandry and welfare, and veterinary excellence. Ocean Park's accreditation is also a testament to our dedication to impactful conservation efforts and inspiring education initiatives. We will continue to champion our mission to preserve endangered species, advance our vital work in conservation education for the community, and contribute to international research and knowledge exchange."
 
As the first-ever facility outside North America to be accredited by AZA, and the longest-standing accredited member outside of the continent, the Park's dedication to animal care and welfare is exemplified by its vibrant and robust animal ambassadors. Among these ambassadors are An An, the world's longest-living male giant panda under human care, and Jia Jia, the world's longest-living female giant panda once.
 
Ocean Park doesn’t just talk the talk, but it also walks the walk. The dedicated animal caretakers and veterinarians work hand in hand to ensure the animal ambassadors receive top-notch care through impressive behavioural conditioning programmes. It's like a personal training regime for the animal ambassadors, ensuring that they voluntarily participate in body and health examinations. As a result, the team can provide timely and attentive care to the animals.
 
With its professional veterinary, husbandry and rescue capabilities, the Park has gone beyond and above, conducting rescue programmes for marine, freshwater and terrestrial species. For example, over the last 20 years, more than 100 sea turtles that were rescued in Hong Kong and sent to the Park had received rehabilitation treatment and care by the Park’s experts.
 
Additionally, there are 33 ongoing research projects, and the Park is home to over 70 precious species — including the newest member Passion the crocodile, who was rescued in a residential area last year, now living peacefully in the new attraction Croco Land since February.
 
In the past year, Ocean Park engaged over 12 million people through its educational initiatives. From school programmes to family adventures and corporate outings, the Park ignites a passion for nature.
 
The recent Animal Discovery Fest proves that learning can be exciting and fun. From Let's Meet the Animals programme, where the Park’s annual members can get up close and personal with animal ambassadors for free, to the Egg-cellent Animal Quest, a unique egg hunt that unravels the secrets concealed within the shapes and incubation environments of animal eggs, Ocean Park is dedicated to making biodiversity education an engaging and unforgettable experience.

Now, it's your turn to experience the offerings first-hand. Dive into the Animal Discovery Fest and enjoy all the time-limited activities before 19 May 2024.  For more information, please visit: https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/park-experience/animal-discovery-fest-2024.

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AZA granted currently accredited members a one-year extension in their accreditation status in 2020.