Medical Management of Walk-Through Aviaries

Abstract

ANIMAL WELFARE/WELLNESS: an animal's (or group of animals) collective physical and mental states over a period of time, and measured on a continuum from good to poor. AQUARIUM: Usually at least one public building which contains aquatic animals. However, the animals are usually split into numerous exhibits. [For full definition see Basic Definitions, 2021 Guide to Accreditation of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.] CEO/DIRECTOR: The person with the authority and responsibility for the operation of the institution. Other titles may include president, chief executive officer, superintendent, supervisor, manager, etc. CERTIFICATION: A process similar to accreditation (see "Accreditation" above). In AZA's case, certification involves review and assessment of facilities that operate in support of zoos and aquariums, but are typically not open to the public on a regular basis. CONSERVATION: For the purposes of AZA's accreditation program, conservation is understood to be active stewardship of the natural environment, including wildlife, plants, energy and other natural resources. CURRENTLY ACCREDITED APPLICANTS: Currently accredited applicants are those institutions that are AZAaccredited at the time the application is submitted and processed. DEFENSIVE INTERVAL PERIOD: a financial metric indicating the number of days an entity can operate without needing to access long-term assets or additional outside financial resources. ENGINEERING STANDARDS: Standards that require exact and precisely measured steps to fulfill an engineering characteristic, with little or no variation in method for meeting the goal. ENRICHMENT: A process to ensure that the behavioral and physical needs of an animal are being met by providing opportunities for species-appropriate behaviors and choices. GOVERNING AUTHORITY: The agency with authority to govern the operations of the institution (such as the city, county/provincial, or federal government body, private corporation, foundation, society, board of directors, or other similar entities). INSTITUTIONAL COLLECTION PLAN (ICP): An ICP is a document designed to thoughtfully assess the reasons for having each taxon in the collection. The ICP should be updated on a regular basis (minimally every 5 years). The ICP should include a statement of justification for all species and individuals in the institution's planned collection. The ICP should consider such criteria as status in the wild, status in zoos and aquariums, existence and priorities of cooperative management programs, ability to maintain the species in a physically, psychologically and socially healthy environment, exhibit value, exhibit suitability, need for husbandry and other research, recommendations stated in AZA TAG's Regional Collection Plans and any other issues specific to the institution's mission and vision.