Meet the Accreditation Inspectors of the Year

We owe a debt of gratitude to every volunteer Accreditation Inspector and to our member zoos and aquariums that encourage them to participate. Among those many talented individuals are some who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty.

This award, first presented in 2003, originated as a means of recognizing AZA Accreditation Inspectors who, throughout their years of service, have donated their time to a large number of inspections, and/or whose work has consistently been of exceptional quality. The award is presented annually in December to three individuals whose selection is based on those criteria.

Serving as an accreditation inspector is a difficult task and is critically important to the integrity of the accreditation process. The enormous amount of time and effort required in preparing for and performing these inspections is astronomical. The Accreditation Commission, and AZA, are sincerely thankful for the contribution of time and expertise that all of our inspectors make to the success of our accreditation process. Here are AZA's Inspectors of the Year:

2007 Inspectors of the Year

Charles Wikenhauser
Director, Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
John D. Hewitt, IV
Senior Vice President/Director of Husbandry, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
William J. Boever, DVM
Director Emeritus, Saint Louis Zoo

2006 Inspectors of the Year

Jim Fleshman
Director, Cameron Park Zoo
Bob Jenkins
Director of Animal Care and Conservation, San Francisco Zoological Gardens
Brian Joseph, DVM
COO, Living Exhibits, Inc.

2005 Inspectors of the Year

Gregg Dancho
Director, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Al Lewandowski, DVM
Head of Veterinary Services, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Mark Reed
Executive Director, Sedgwick County Zoo

2004 Inspectors of the Year

Ed Asper
President and CEO, Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum
Bill Bryant, DVM
Senior Veterinarian, Sedgwick County Zoo
Steve Taylor
Director, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

2003 Inspectors of the Year

Jack Grisham
Associate Curator, Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Jeff Wyatt, DVM
Director of Animal Health and Conservation, Seneca Park Zoo
Hayes Caldwell
Director, The Caldwell Zoo