Leaders of Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown are laying out plans to reclaim an important accreditation.
Last week, the zoo was denied accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
A big part in denying the accreditation was due to the lack of complexity in “carnivore holdings.”
Stacy Plocher is the zoo manager of Bramble Park Zoo. She said the zoo is addressing the concerns.
“Kind of to that point, we already have plans to renovate our withholding and exhibit. The city of Watertown has supported us in that and has given us funds toward that project we’re in the process of right now. So we recognize the issue and we’re responding to it. We just couldn’t get construction completed this year yet,” Plocher said.
She also said the zoo was surprised at the AZA’s decision.
“The big shock kind of came from our AZA inspectors that were here on grounds. [They] were recommending us for accreditation. They liked some of our new policies and how we have really expanded our enrichment and our training programs and our medical care. They had a lot of very complimentary things to say, so to go and have the commission then deny us is where the shock came in,” Plocher said.
Bramble Park Zoo cannot reapply for accreditation until September 2025.
