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http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=49731.96

Washington Park Zoo Given Accreditation
High standards praised, including animal care, facilities, guest services.

Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The Washington Park Zoo passed inspection and is accredited by the Zoological Association of America, zoo director Johnny Martinez announced Thursday at the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Park Board meeting.

"We're really happy to be recognized as a professional organization among our peers," Martinez said.

Martinez said accreditation means the zoo is considered a professional zoological park that meets high standards in all aspects of its operations. They include animal care, physical facilities, record-keeping, security and guest services.

As an accredited facility, Washington Park Zoo has access to available and wanted animal lists of ZAOA members, providing opportunities to expand the variety of animals in the local zoo.

Park Board President Bob McKee congratulated Martinez.

"Under your leadership," McKee said, "a lot of good things keep happening."

Also Thursday, the board authorized Michigan City's participation in the Young Champions Cheerleading Camp for boys and girls ages 4 to 15.

The organization, originating in Grand Rapids, Mich., organizes competitive cheerleading events at various park locations in the region.

YCCC proposes to offer a 16-week camp here from Feb. 4 through May 19. A 20 percent portion of the fees will be returned to the Michigan City Park Department.

"It's another thing we can add to the list of things young people in Michigan City can do," Board member Tom Milcarek said.

Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.

[Roger Kaputnik]

More and more good news from this Dept.