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Authorizing Saint Paul Parks and Recreation to pay for travel-related expenses, including airfare, lodging, meals, etc. for Como Zoo’s Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Accreditation inspectors, who are not city employees from June 20-24, 2021.
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WHEREAS, The Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is seeking authority to pay for related travel expenses which include airfare, lodging, meals, etc. for three Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) inspectors, who are not city employees, as part of the AZA Accreditation process for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory on June 20-24, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Every 5 years Como Zoo enters into the process of Accreditation through AZA. Zoos and Aquariums that earn accreditation have achieved AZA’s rigorous, professional standards for animal welfare and management, veterinary care, wildlife conservation and research, education, safety, staffing and more. Less than 10% of the USDA licensed wildlife exhibitors, approximately 240 are AZA accredited; and
WHEREAS, The AZA Accreditation Commission’s mission is to establish, uphold, and raise the highest zoological industry standards through self-evaluation, on-site inspection, and peer review; and
WHEREAS, AZA will send a team of three inspectors to Como Zoo to fulfill the required on-site, in-depth inspection the entire facility; and
WHEREAS, the public purpose is to ensure Como Zoo meets and exceeds the highest industry standards; and
BE IT ORDERED, that the Department of Parks and Recreation are hereby ordered to pay for the above mentioned expenses not to exceed $4,000.00.