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Lowry Park Zoo News Release

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From Lowry Park Zoo

Published: December 5, 2008

TAMPA, Fla. (December 5, 2008) – Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is engaged in a series of reviews and audits by the City of Tampa and the Zoo's independent auditor. Several months ago, zoo management also invited the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a voluntary membership organization, to review its procedural operations regarding the purchase, sale, trade, loan or donation of animals.

The zoo has been notified that its AZA membership has been temporarily suspended based on AZA's initial review, and the zoo has been invited to respond to this change in status. We have assured AZA that we will work cooperatively with the organization to address concerns.

This does not affect the zoo's daily operations, the high quality of animal care or operating standards employed by the zoo. Our zoo upholds the highest standards of animal welfare and care in accordance with regulatory agencies including USDA and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and is an organization committed to excellence in education, conservation and research.

Zoo leadership, the executive committee and the board of directors will be asked to thoroughly review all findings, once complete, and to determine if policy changes are necessary.

The zoo has been an AZA member in good standing since 1989. The most recent accreditation renewal -- a rigorous inspection to ensure the organization meets industry standards in collection care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, safety and many other areas – was granted in 2004.

About Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to excellence in education, conservation and research. Named the #1 zoo in America by Child magazine, the Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48). The Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free. The zoo is a nonsmoking facility with smoking allowed only in limited designated areas as marked by visitor information signs. Visit LowryParkZoo.com or call (813) 935-8552 for more information.

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