The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) has announced that Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Each application was evaluated by the independent Accreditation Commission and determined to meet AZA’s standards for animal wellbeing, care, and management.

“Congratulations to the leadership and staff at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for attaining the global ‘gold standard’ in zoological and aquarium accreditation,” said Dan Ashe, president, and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “AZA’s standards continuously evolve to reflect best practices in the zoo and aquarium profession, with a strong emphasis on animal care and wellbeing at their core. Mote has demonstrated a dedication to this exceptional level of care.”

AZA accreditation includes a detailed application and a meticulous multiple-day on-site inspection by an independent team of zoological professionals. The inspecting team analyzes all aspects of the facility’s operation, including animal care and wellbeing; veterinary care; staff training; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; governance; and guest services. Detailed reports from the inspection team and the facility alike are then thoroughly evaluated by the Accreditation Commission. Finally, the Commission interviews top officials from the facility at a formal hearing, after which accreditation is fully granted, provisionally granted for one year, or denied.

A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.

The Mote Aquarium, that first opened its doors at our City Island campus in 1980, has been an accredited AZA member since 2003. While remaining in good AZA standing throughout the transition of our aquarium operations to our new location, this marks our initial AZA accreditation at the Mote Science Education Aquarium.

“This AZA accreditation reflects the passion, dedication, and expertise of the Mote team in designing, constructing, and operating the Mote Science Education Aquarium with the highest levels of animal care and guest experiences,” said Evan Barniskis, Mote Aquarium Director. “Mote SEA was intentionally designed to provide engaging marine science educational experiences for all who walk through its doors, and this recognition underscores the strength of Mote’s mission and our ability to deliver that to our community that supports it.”

Mote SEA is projected to double attendance of the previous Mote Aquarium, particularly reaching more under-served audiences, while Mote’s City Island campus will now evolve to become the new Mote International Marine Science, Technology & Innovation Park.

During Mote’s accreditation inspection, the AZA inspection team mentioned the following particular strengths in their report:

  • “The ongoing monitoring and adaptive management of exhibits as the animals adjust to their new environments is commendable.”
  • “Exhibits are appropriately sized and designed for the species and taxa housed, with adequate complexity, environmental enrichment opportunities, and accurate thematic representation.”
  • “Animal care staff engage positively with guests, providing accurate information and demonstrating strong interpretive skills. Daily public programming is robust, well scheduled throughout operating hours, and consistent with Mote’s education and conservation mission.”
  • “Within the new Mote SEA facility, the research labs are represented as exhibits, where guests can observe live action research on many of Mote’s remote field projects during their visit. These exhibits connect guests to Mote’s conservation projects in a truly unique way, amplifying messaging and inspiring guests to act.”
  • “When looking at the entirety of Mote’s programs, exhibitry, research publications, and research campuses, the conservation program is thorough, impressive, and worthy of recognition.”
  • “Mote’s dedication to research and making science available to everyone who comes through the doors is impressive and noteworthy.”
  • “Mote SEA has an amazingly robust education and interpretation program.”
  • “Interpretive graphics are comprehensive, clearly presented, and include bilingual content. Interactive exhibits, many designed and fabricated by the institution’s Exhibits department, are engaging, educational, and support learning outcomes.”
  • “Inspectors commend the Guest Services team for their role in supporting a positive visitor experience while advancing the institution’s educational and conservation objectives.”
  • “Staff culture across departments promotes enthusiasm, cooperation, and a positive work environment. Staff feels that their work is meaningful, and they believe in the organization’s leadership.”

About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is setting the global gold standard, accrediting 254 of the top zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in 12 countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

About Mote
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has an over 70-year legacy as an independent, nonprofit, 501(c)3 global marine research and science education institution. Mote began in 1955 and flourished on the foundational pillars of “Passion, Partnership and Philanthropy” – the passion of a single researcher, Dr. Eugenie Clark, her partnership with the community and philanthropic support, first of the Vanderbilt family, later with the significant support and guidance of the William R. Mote family, and today through donations by thousands of individuals who believe in the mission of Mote.

Today, Mote has grown into ten campuses stretching from Sarasota Bay to Key West. Mote has 38 diverse world-class research programs and centers of excellence studying oceans locally and internationally, with an emphasis on positively impacting conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The current Mote Science Education Aquarium campus in Sarasota showcases Mote Research and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 pm, 365 days a year. Learn more at mote.org