Auckland Zoo gets tourism tick

Four baby Meerkats stay close to their dad Ndulu at the Auckland Zoo. Photograph by Richard Robinson.

Auckland Zoo ihas been endorsed as one of New Zealand's elite tourist attractions with recent Qualmark certification as an Endorsed Visitor Activity and an Enviro Gold award.

Qualmark is New Zealand tourism's official quality assurance organisation, providing a trusted guide to quality travel experiences.

Auckland Zoo Director Jonathan Wilcken says the recognition is very satisfying following months of preparation to demonstrate the Zoo's credentials to the assessors.

"Everyone at the Zoo is incredibly proud to have achieved this result, it is fantastic news. The assessor even commented that we were one of the most prepared attractions they've ever assessed."

Mr Wilcken says the Enviro Gold award is particularly pleasing, as it represents leadership in operating with sustainable tourism practices including energy efficiency, conservation initiatives, waste management, community activities and water conservation.

"This recognition is a reflection of everyone's work in making Auckland Zoo the most effective conservation organisation we can be. It assures visitors from all around the world that we are a high quality experience who take our environmental responsibilities seriously."

Qualmark General Manager, Tim Keeling says that "every Qualmark licence holder is expected to adhere to basic Responsible Tourism practices, but to attain a Qualmark Enviro award, a business must show extra commitment to caring for their environment and their local community.

"The Enviro criteria is strict and the assessments rigorous and demanding. We applaud every Qualmark licence holder who takes up the challenge to support sustainable tourism practices and good environmental management, through the Enviro awards".

The Qualmark successes follow on from another recent endorsement with Trip Advisor reviewers rating Auckland Zoo the third best zoo in the South Pacific, and the highest-ranked New Zealand zoo.

Mr Wilcken says "there's no doubting the value of visitor reviews in helping others to determine where the best places are to stay, eat and visit. To be rated amongst the very best zoos in our part of the world speaks to the qualities of Auckland Zoo as a progressive conservation organisation that's focused? on creating meaningful connections between people and wildlife to help save species from extinction."