A popular safari experience in Santa Rosa has lost a prestigious endorsement.
The Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) has denied Safari West’s accreditation for the first time in 30 years, according to a report from KTVU.
While the accreditation does not prevent the private wildlife preserve from operating, it loses credibility without the highly-sought endorsement.
"You want to be able to have that on your resume that says you are accredited. And AZA is the gold standard," Keo Hornbostel, executive director of Safari West, told the station, who added that he was devastated by the decision.
The outlet reported that the reason the commission chose not to accredit the complex was due to serious concerns about its veterinary practices, and how it acquires and removes its animals.
"Members have to show a very high standard of responsibility for where they get animals and where they sell animals to. And that was an issue in this case," association president Dan Ashe told the outlet.
Two anonymous employees reiterated those concerns, telling the station that Safari West "is not the fanciful place it used to be." In addition to the veterinary care, they also questioned the safety of the tour vehicles.
Safari West is appealing the association’s decision, as Hornbostel argued they have been using the same practices for "decades" without any issues. He also disputed some of their accusations and information.
If the appeal is unsuccessful, the company can apply for reinstatement in a year.
The 400-acre Safari West draws 70,000 visitors a year to see 98 different species at the exhibit, the station reported. Guests can experience a variety of different excursions, including private safaris and overnight stays that bring them “as close as possible to the wilderness," the complex's website said.
