Return AZA Standards at the Pittsburgh Zoo
Pittsburgh Zoo Elephant Controversy: An Overview of AZA Accreditation Forfeiture
In 2015, the Pittsburgh Zoo relinquished its AZA accreditation due to concerns surrounding its elephant handling policy, constituting a significant breach of their lease agreement with the City of Pittsburgh. Despite multiple extensions, the Zoo has yet to achieve compliance with the required standards.
Challenges such as separating bonded elephant pairs, opposition to progressive and humane Pittsburgh ordinances, and a poignant critique from a veterinarian describing the Zoo as a “third world jail for elephants” resulted in the Pittsburgh Zoo being named the “2019 Worst Zoo in North America for Elephants” by In Defense of Animals.
Accreditation Matters: AZA vs. ZAA – Understanding the Distinction
One critical issue in the Pittsburgh Zoo controversy is the shift from AZA to ZAA accreditation. The concern arises as the letters “ZAA” deceptively resemble the esteemed AZA, but, in reality, represent a different entity. The ZAA is a trade organization that advocates for the rights of private citizens and exhibitors to own exotic animals. This transition prompts questions about the standards and regulations governing animal welfare and public safety at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Lease Agreement Explained: The City of Pittsburgh owns the land the Zoo uses. The Zoo receives many perks, such as $1/year in rent, financial support from the City to maintain the parking lot, free event hosting items from the City, taxpayer-subsidized water and sewage, and more. In exchange, the Zoo has several responsibilities they must agree to – including maintaining AZA accreditation. The fact that they voluntarily relinquished this accreditation means they have been in violation of the lease since 2015. To our knowledge, the City has not enforced any consequences against the Zoo.
The most recent lease expired in December 2022 and was granted an extension by Pittsburgh City Council that has now expired. Humane Action Pittsburgh is working hard to ensure the new lease requires AZA accreditation and includes actionable, meaningful damages for a breach.
Uncertain Future: Protecting Animal Welfare Amidst Accreditation Shifts —In the Pittsburgh Zoo controversy, an uncertain future looms. If concerns about accreditation are dismissed, or worse, the AZA requirement is omitted from the new lease terms, critical animal protections, including routine veterinary care requirements, may be jeopardized. The lack of proper accreditation, compounded by the zoo’s history of USDA violations, makes a compelling case for restoring AZA standards.
Further, from July 2023 to February 2024, at least five animals died at the Pittsburgh Zoo. While we by no means have any way to know whether negligence was at play or a rather unfortunate coincidence, this underscores the importance of AZA accreditation, in which unbiased experts can monitor the care of the animals.
Unveiling the Reality: HAP’s Stance on Pittsburgh Zoo Accreditation
HAP’s Position: Humane Action Pittsburgh (HAP) clarifies its mission—it does not seek the shutdown of the Pittsburgh Zoo. Instead, HAP advocates for the restoration of AZA accreditation. The goal is to ensure optimal care for the animals, emphasizing the need for substantial and enforceable damages in the new lease with the city. The current lease’s only recourse for noncompliance is eviction, underscoring the importance of proactive measures.
ZAA Concerns:
Roadside Zoo Association: HAP highlights concerns about the ZAA catering to roadside zoos, akin to those depicted in “Tiger King.”
Inadequate Standards: ZAA’s standards are critiqued for insufficiently safeguarding animal welfare and public safety.
Lobbying Against Legislation: Notably, the ZAA is accused of lobbying against animal protection laws and seeking exemptions for its members.
Conflict of Interest:
Former Leadership Dilemma: It is worth mentioning that Barbara Baker, the Pittsburgh Zoo’s former President and CEO, held the position of ZAA Board Chair, creating a clear conflict of interest. Dr. Baker oversaw the accreditation of her own organization under the ZAA.
Understanding HAP’s perspective and the concerns surrounding ZAA’s standards is crucial in navigating the complexities of the Pittsburgh Zoo controversy. Stay informed as we delve into the intricacies of animal welfare and accreditation standards.
#AZAAdvocacy
#PittsburghZooControversy
#AnimalWelfare
HAP’s Advocacy in Action: Restoring AZA Accreditation at the Pittsburgh Zoo
HAP’s Strategic Initiatives: Humane Action Pittsburgh (HAP) actively engages in advocating for the restoration of AZA accreditation at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Key initiatives include ongoing meetings with Public Safety officials, Pittsburgh City Council, and the Mayor. HAP emphasizes the importance of reinstating AZA accreditation to ensure the highest standards of animal care. Letters have been dispatched to the Pittsburgh Zoo Board, donors, and sponsors, outlining the breach of lease, the significance of proper accreditation, and proposing resolutions.
Lease Recommendations: With the current zoo lease expiring on December 31, 2022, HAP has meticulously crafted detailed recommendations for the new lease. These recommendations aim to introduce definitive and actionable damages, providing a framework for addressing noncompliance effectively.
Supporting the Zoo’s Reapplication:
In March 2021, the Pittsburgh Zoo announced its intention to reapply for AZA accreditation. HAP has issued a Public Statement in support of this proactive step, underlining the positive impact that reinstating AZA accreditation can have on animal welfare standards.
How You Can Contribute:
Express Your Support: Email letters backing AZA accreditation restoration and demanding lease compliance to key stakeholders, including Pittsburgh Zoo President Dr. Jeremy Goodman, Board Chair Donna Hudson, Mayor Ed Gainey, Councilwoman Deb Gross, and Zoo sponsors.
Stay Informed: Follow and share HAP’s progress on this campaign, participate in community meetings, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue.
Donate to Support: Contribute to HAP’s campaigns, including efforts to uphold animal welfare standards at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Donate here.
Join HAP in making a meaningful impact by supporting the reinstatement of AZA accreditation at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Your involvement can contribute to positive changes in animal care standards.
#AZAAdvocacy
#PittsburghZooCampaign
#AnimalWelfare
