Afaik they are AZA-affiliated but they are not accredited by the AZA.
~Thylo
You are correct, they are not listed on AZA's list of accredited institutions.
They aren't on the list of
accredited zoos, because they aren't zoos. The AZA also certifies "related institutions" that are private facilities. It's the same difference.
https://www.aza.org/current-cert
https://www.aza.org/accreditation-vs-certification
"
For the purposes of AZA’s certification program, the Related Facility membership category is defined as: organizations holding wildlife that are not commercial entities, and are not open to the public on a regularly scheduled, predictable basis. The facility shall be under the direction of a professional staff trained in animal husbandry, and shall be further defined as having conservation and preservation as part of its mission—a mission that shall have a beneficial, tangible, supportive impact on the zoological and aquarium professions. This includes wildlife ranches, wildlife refuges or rehab centers, research facilities, survival centers, conservation support facilities, and/or similar organizations."
"Related Facilities are expected to achieve and maintain or surpass the same standards as Institutional members. The Related Facility membership category requires that each facility be
inspected and
certified before AZA membership can begin, or continue. ...
The certification process is very similar to the accreditation process, with subtle differences. In addition to not being open to the public on a regular basis, Related Facilities typically have slight differences in mission and scope from zoological parks or aquariums. However, Related Facilities must have conservation as part of their mission, and the overall mission must be aligned with AZA’s. Related Facilities are bound by AZA’s Code of Ethics, policies, and standards, just like accredited institutions. When evaluating a Related Facility applicant, the Accreditation Commission and the inspection team use the accreditation standards as a basis for judgment. Most Related Facilities would
not be evaluated for exhibit (or enclosure) aesthetics and design, but
would be evaluated on such issues as enclosure
size and
furniture; enrichment items and programs; whether physical, social, and psychological needs are being met, acquisition, transfer, euthanasia and reintroduction practices, etc. "