City Council Approves Riverview Park and Zoo's Change of Authority Animal Care

Peterborough City Council supports delegating authority to the Commissioner of Community Services and their delegates for animal care and welfare support operations at the Riverview Park and Zoo (RPZ) during its meeting on Monday.

The RPZ is a longstanding member of CAZA. CAZA is an organization founded in 1975 that is dedicated to setting and upholding the highest standards in animal welfare, veterinary care, ethical conservation, and scientific research. CAZA represents over 30 leading zoological parks, aquariums, museums, and science centres across Canada. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The approval is within the City Council-approved budget to maintain compliance with Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) governance requirements.

According to the City, operational decisions affecting animal care and welfare at the RPZ, including animal collection, veterinary care, animal transfers, enrichment, emergency response, and other daily management decisions (Animal Care Decisions), must be made by the institution's qualified animal care professionals to meet the regulatory requirements and standards under the CAZA accreditation program.

CAZA accreditation demonstrates that a zoo meets recognized Canadian standards for animal welfare, professional operations, conservation, education, safety and governance. It provides independent assurance that the facility is accountable to established professional standards and supports responsible animal stewardship, public safety, and conservation-focused operations. Accreditation also strengthens credibility with visitors, municipal partners, funders and other institutions. This is while enabling participation in collaborative conservation, research, and animal management programs.

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