The Greater Vancouver Zoo has been granted re-accreditation with CAZA (Canada鈥檚 Accredited Zoos and Aquariums).

The accreditation process takes place every five years where the zoo has to go through a very comprehensive application process, followed by a review from the CAZA Accreditation Committee Board. Then a team of inspectors is selected for an onsite inspection.

The inspection team visited B.C.鈥檚 only zoo for 鈥渁 rigorous鈥� three and a half days in August to inspect zoo operations including animal health care, exhibits, husbandry of all our animals, educational programs, safety/security, guest services, conservation, research, staff training programs, finances and the physical facilities, said zoo manager Jody Henderson.

The CAZA inspection team was comprised of a veterinarian, specialist in education and communications, and operations expert.

The zoo is undergoing several upgrades and expansions. The cougars are being moved to a larger enclosure and some of the cages are being redone.

The zoo lost its CAZA credentials in 2004, following concerns about a lack of proper housing for its then only hippopotamus, Hazina.

The large animal, which was featured in Christmas Telus commercials, didn鈥檛 have a proper enclosure. In 2006, a heated enclosure and indoor and outdoor ponds were build for Hazina.

CAZA gave them accreditation after that.

CAZA is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting the welfare of animals and encouraging the advancement and improvement of education, conservation and science.