Hi everyone, a quick note on the purpose of this petition. Petitions are ground zero for raising awareness of issues in need of attention. They can be a fantastic tool for initiating community conversations and ultimately putting the pressure on stakeholders to prioritize necessary changes. Awareness also opens opportunities for change to be initiated on the community level. The granular details aren't as important as the bigger picture, which in this case is that the current conditions for many of the animals at the Hillcrest zoo warrant serious improvements.
Now, a word about the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The AZA sets the industry standard for zoo conditions, broken down by animal based on their needs in the wild. The Hillcrest zoo currently abides by USDA standards. which is not nearly as specific or rigorous as the AZA. For more information, see the links below:
About the AZA: https://www.aza.org/what-is-accreditation?locale=en
AZA Accreditation Guidelines: https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2332/guide_to_accreditation.pdf
USDA Animal Care: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/bluebook-ac-awa.pdf
AZA vs USDA: https://sites.google.com/site/bus25001controlsinzoo/citations
Our first priority should be brainstorming on ways to fundraise for AZA accreditation for the animals that will call Hillcrest Zoo their home. I believe that all animals deserve an environment as close to that of their natural habitat as possible, with plenty of resources, enrichment, and company for those who seek it. If we can raise enough funds to make the Hillcrest Zoo offer resources for these animals that are competitive with what could be found instead at a conservation, that would be an amazing course of action. Step one is funding! If you haven't yet, consider signing to show stakeholders that we care and are advocating for change in the best interest of these animals.
Thank you everyone for the engagement!!!! I am honestly thrilled that such passionate conversation has been started on the community level. Let's use this energy to follow through with doing justice for the animals!