SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Receives

AZA Accreditation

Plaque presentation held in recognition of national achievement.

 

CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 17, 2015) – SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium (SEA LIFE) hosted today the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) who presented them with official accreditation recognition. Jim Maddy, President and CEO of AZA awarded SEA LIFE with a plaque in recognition of their achievement during a ceremonial celebration. Mayor J. Scott Padgett of City of Concord also gave remarks at the ceremony.

“Achieving AZA accreditation is monumental for our aquarium, as it represents the hard work and care our team diligently provides for our sea creatures,” said Dalia Goldgor, General Manager at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord. “It’s an honor to become the third SEA LIFE to be AZA accredited. After this step, we can now look forward to bringing new and unique creatures to the aquarium.”

To earn accreditation from AZA, SEA LIFE underwent a thorough review to ensure it has and will continue to meet rising creature standards, ranging from animal care to education and conservation. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members of the Association. Earning accreditation from AZA will allow SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord the opportunity of bringing new creatures, like a sea turtle, to the aquarium. 

The accreditation process included a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The AZA observed all aspects of SEA LIFE’s operations, including animal care; staff training; safety for visitors, staff and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and other areas. Finally, SEA LIFE’s General Manager and Curator were interviewed at a formal hearing of AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. 

To learn more about SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord or to buy tickets, visit www.visitsealife.com/charlotte-concord. 

About SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is a 26,000-square-foot indoor aquarium with another 10,000 square feet planned for future expansion. This one-of-a-kind attraction allows visitors to experience the magical world beneath our seas with marine habitats, displays, and close encounters with thousands of sea creatures. SEA LIFE provides a glimpse of the diversity of marine life while also playing an active role in animal and environmental conservation. Visitors see strong evidence of SEA LIFE’s Breed, Rescue and Protect activities around the world, including new projects developed locally.

SEA LIFE is the world’s largest aquarium chain with over 45 attractions around the world. SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is the sixth SEA LIFE aquarium launched in the U.S. and parent company Merlin Entertainments’ 100th attraction worldwide. SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is located at Concord Mills, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd. in Concord, NC. For more information, visit www.visitsealife.com/charlotte-concord.