DURBAN – The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) is the only fully accredited African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (Paaza) aquarium on the African continent.
Saambr’s Ann Kunz said Saambr was the first World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Waza) affiliated organisation to achieve the new Paaza Operational Accreditation Standard, which was recognised by Waza and is in alignment with their Welfare Assessment known as the Waza Welfare Goal 2023.
“Paaza accreditation is the highest possible recognition that an animal institution can achieve in Africa, and Saambr remains the only fully Paaza-accredited aquarium on the continent,” Kunz said.
Kunz added that the certificate of operational accreditation was only valid for three years after which Saambr will have to reapply for accreditation.
uShaka Marine World chief executive Ndabezitha Khoza said: “Well done to Saambr for flying the uShaka flag so high. This accreditation is a true testament to the high level of skills and expertise of the Saambr team.”
Paaza executive director John Werth thanked the Saambr team for working with the Paaza audit team in “fine tuning” the new process.
“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Saambr as the first African Waza member to have successfully completed the new Paaza Operational Accreditation. I would also like to offer a huge thank you to the Saambr team in working with the Paaza audit team in ‘fine tuning’ the new process,” Werth said.
uShaka Sea World administrator Bianca Harwood, who was tasked with compiling the extensive documentation required for the accreditation process, gave credit to the entire Saambr team.
Harwood said: “Thank you to our amazing and professional Saambr team for having consistently high standards. This made compiling our accreditation application a relatively smooth process.”
Saambr chief executive Dr Larry Oellermann commended the Paaza team for their work.
“Saambr welcomes and appreciates the exacting standards set by Paaza and the accreditation process, because they provide us with a benchmark against which to measure ourselves every three years, and constantly improve our operations and animal welfare at uShaka Sea World.”
To comment on this story send a WhatsApp message to our BackChat column on 071 485 7995.
Daily News