WATERTOWN, S.D. (KELO) — A week ago, the Bramble Park Zoo (BPZ) in Watertown, South Dakota was denied accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
In a release addressing the loss of accreditation, the City of Watertown said the AZA’s decision was primarily due to facility needs, adding that the AZA’s standards have evolved.
The city also noted that the AZA visiting committee said the BPZ did well in the area of animal wellbeing, with animals healthy, well-cared for and receiving care that meets of exceeds standards.
KELOLAND News made the trip to Watertown Monday to visit with BPZ and city officials about the zoo, and to see some of the facilities firsthand.
Amanda Mack, the Watertown City Manager said the city was surprised to lose accreditation.
“It was incredibly disappointing,” said Mack, “especially after the visiting committee of the AZA was here this summer.”
Mack said that after the summer meeting, the AZA visiting committee had recommended full accreditation to the AZA board, who ultimately opted not to provide that accreditation.
BPZ Manager Stacy Plocher told KELOLAND that many of the things the zoo plans to update in order to regain accreditation are those dealing with visitor experiences.
“Where were we lacking — what can we improve,” asked Plocher. “Our visiting committee did lay out several things, and most of them we had addressed between June and September.”
While not ideal, Plocher said that the denial of accreditation has given the zoo an opportunity to look at things that could be improved.
“With the AZA, they look at everything at the zoo from top to bottom, from concessions to how things are presented, to our education programs to our community support,” said Plocher. “One of those things is how we are perceived by the public and if we are showcasing a modern facility.”
One area where they were dinged was the ‘modernity’ of their viewing structures. Plocher used the wolf habitat as an example. “It’s a little smaller, it’s a little cramped. It doesn’t give us a ton of overhead protection,” she said.
There is a plan to address the concerns about the guest experiences. “We’re going to increase the size of the viewing structure by about three times of what it currently is,” said Plocher, adding that the new viewing enclosure will extend out into the habitat to give guests a better view.
Another area where aesthetics play a role is in the boundaries of the enclosures. Plocher pointed to the metallic chain link fencing surrounding the wolf enclosure, noting that one option would be to swap it out for black chain link — something that would make it appear more modern and less ‘cage-like’ to visitors.
The Snow Leopard habitat is another example of an area which already made an update, exchanging the metal mesh exterior for large glass windows, allowing visitors to get closer to the enclosure while providing the animals a more solid barrier.
Other changes that have already been made at the zoo include those to expand certain habitats. One enclosure for monkeys that Plocher highlighted saw multiple separate enclosures combined into one larger one with the addition of a central ‘yard’ for the animals.
Highlighting yet another area where an update is planned, Plocher took us to the bear habitat.
“It has a dig area for them with substrate, but it’s hay — it’s not natural grass and dirt — but they can dig in, so we’re looking to update that,” said Plocher. “Since we’re looking to do some work to the area, we’re hoping to expand the exhibit as well.”
In terms of future improvements, Plocher confirmed that budgets for the zoo are approved by the Watertown City Council.
Mack, speaking about the next steps, says she thinks the logical place to start is with the Lake Area Zoological Society, an outside partner of the city which supports the zoo.
“Our Parks and Rec manager and zoo manager [Plocher] have put together a path forward, and I think the first step is to bring those two bodies together to bring some recommendations to the City Council,” said Mack.
Once updates have been made, Mack says the city plans to reapply for accreditation.
