SeaWorld Orlando AZA accreditation is renewed for another five years, marking over four decades of excellence in animal care and professional management.

SeaWorld Orlando AZA accreditation
Photo of Melby courtesy of SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando has officially been re-accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), maintaining what is widely considered the industry’s “gold standard” for animal care. The designation follows an exhaustive, multi-day inspection process by an independent commission evaluating everything from animal well-being and veterinary care to conservation efforts and staff training.

Example of Melby

SeaWorld Orlando AZA accreditation

A timely example of this commitment to conservation is currently unfolding at the park’s rescue center. The SeaWorld team is providing critical care for “Melby,” a manatee recently rescued from a storm drain in Melbourne Beach. Melby is currently gaining strength and meeting health milestones as he prepares for his eventual release back into the wild.

The local community has rallied behind the rescued manatee’s recovery. On March 25, representatives from the Town of Melbourne Beach and the Rotary Club of Melbourne Beach visited Melby to deliver a special surprise: a giant card signed by more than 300 local students and community members wishing him a speedy recovery.

SeaWorld Orlando AZA Accreditation

Melby

“AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the AZA. “SeaWorld Orlando has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”

As a condition of AZA membership, facilities must undergo this rigorous review every five years to ensure they are meeting ever-rising global standards. SeaWorld Orlando has now upheld this distinction for 43 years.

“We are proud to be part of this prestigious group of AZA-accredited institutions and we are particularly proud of our teams for their devotion and commitment to providing the ‘gold standard’ of care to our animals,” said Jon “JP” Peterson, SeaWorld Orlando’s park president.

For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.

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Jon Self

Jon Self is an avid theme park fan. You can follow him at @pastorjonself on X/ Twitter or Jon.Self.37 at Instagram. He has been writing and editing in the theme park media world for over a decade. He also writes for several "foodie" sites as well as in the faith-based world.