Everland Achieves 'AZA Reaccreditation' as a World-Class Zoo

Reaccreditation Required Every Five Years
Overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Panda World and Ppupa Town Highly Praised

Everland, operated by the Resort Division of Samsung C&T Corporation, announced on September 15 that it has obtained the international standard 'AZA Reaccreditation,' which is awarded to the world's top-tier zoos.

The AZA accreditation is a globally recognized certification system in the zoo field, overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the United States.

Out of approximately 2,800 wildlife-related institutions in the United States, less than 10% have received AZA accreditation, reflecting the rigorous nature of the process. Even after receiving AZA accreditation, the standards are strengthened each year, and a comprehensive review is required every five years for reaccreditation.

Everland, which in 2019 became the first in Asia to achieve AZA accreditation alongside Seoul Grand Park Zoo, underwent its renewal review this year. On the night of September 14 (Korean time), Everland successfully secured reaccreditation at the final hearing of the AZA annual conference held in Tampa, Florida.

Jeong Donghee, Everland Zoo Director (right), and Dan Ashe, President of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (left). Samsung C&T Corporation.

AZA accreditation is granted only to zoos that fulfill their role in the conservation of endangered species based on animal welfare at the highest level. In addition, institutions must meet strict international standards across all areas, including operational systems, staff capabilities, educational and research functions, and safety management, to qualify.

During the four-day on-site inspection conducted from June 10 to 13 this year, AZA-appointed auditors commented, "At Everland, every member prioritizes animal happiness and the conservation of endangered species, actively communicating and embodying the zoo's vision of 'connecting nature and people for the future.'"

In particular, the inspection team highly praised facilities such as Panda World and Ppupa Town, as well as animal enrichment programs. They also highlighted Everland's successful breeding and wild release project for the whooper swan, which involved flying approximately 2,300 kilometers to Primorsky Krai in Russia for the first-ever wild migration from Korea, as an exemplary case of endangered species conservation.

Jeong Donghee, Director of Everland Zoo, stated, "Our ongoing efforts for animal happiness and the conservation of endangered species have once again been recognized internationally. We will continue to develop Everland into a zoo where both animals and visitors can be happy."

Based on this AZA reaccreditation, Everland plans to expand international exchanges and cooperation with leading zoos worldwide.

Everland Zoo was certified as an ex-situ conservation institution by the Ministry of Environment in 2003 and continues to carry out endangered animal protection activities in collaboration with domestic and international organizations such as the Korea Tiger Conservation Fund and the International Elephant Foundation.