City Council receives update from Riverside Discovery Center on zoo accreditation

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (KNEP) - The Scottsbluff City Council received an update from the Riverside Discovery Center on the zoo’s accreditation on Monday.

Desiree Drane-Davison with the Riverside Discovery Center spoke to Scottsbluff City officials about the zoo’s current reaccreditation process, noting the main issue being a lack of funds for the process.

“I want you all to know that AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) has not given up on us, I was given a mentor, Brian Aucone from the Denver zoo came up two weeks ago he went through everything and said the animals look great, the area looks great, the husbandry is fantastic its just finances and he doesn’t think its insurmountable,” said Drane-Davison.

The zoo is also seeking accreditation through the Zoological Association of American Zoos, which is similar to the AZA, and Drane-Davison believes accreditation through the ZAA might be quicker.

City Manager Kevin Spencer said the zoo has to maintain, or make a good faith effort to maintain, the AZA accreditation to keep its $300,000 agreement with the city. The agreement will expire in 2025 and Spencer told the council a discussion about the agreement could take place in January.