Oregon Zoo receives major award celebrating 50 years of accreditation [Video]

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Oregon Zoo has officially been honored for 50 years of continuous accreditation.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) presented them with the Half Century Award this week at their annual conference in Canada.

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In a letter to the Oregon Zoo from AZA’s board of directors, they wrote of the zoo’s “decades-long commitment to maintaining the highest standards in animal care and welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education, staffing, facilities, safety, guest services and more.”

According to zoo staff, Oregon and Philadelphia are the only two zoos in the world to earn this distinction, becoming the first two to receive AZA accreditation in 1974.

“We are deeply honored,” said Oregon Zoo director Heidi Rahn. “These awards are some of the highest accolades in the zoo world. They signify the respect of our peers from all across …