Manhattan’s Sunset Zoo has enjoyed a good week.
Last weekend the zoo’s annual “SPOOKtacular” weekend event saw over 8,000 visitors and the zoo saw over 80,000 annual visitors for the first time in its 81-year history.
Thursday night in the zoo’s Nature Exploration Center, it was once again accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
To be accredited, the zoo underwent a thorough review to ensure it has and will continue to meet rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the association.
Sunset Zoo has achieved accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1989 and is only one of seven AZA-accredited institutions in Kansas.
Founded in 1924, the AZA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and seven other countries.
