Madison’s Henry Vilas Zoo gets to keep its accreditation

After a few tumultuous years, Dane County’s Henry Vilas Zoo will remain accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or AZA.

The AZA is a nonprofit that accredits over 200 zoos and aquariums nationwide, including Madison’s Henry Vilas Zoo which has been accredited since 1976.

“This incredible zoo, which remains free to the public, is a testament to our team who strive to reach high standards for animal welfare, professional management, visitor services and conservation education,” Dane County Executive Jamie Kuhn said. “This year, we also had 100 percent return rate for our volunteers.” 

AZA-accredited zoos are reviewed every five years. Animal experts from the AZA evaluate the zoo to make sure they’re following their standards, based on animal welfare and operational best practices. AZA accreditation helps zoos get funding and participate in conservation programs.

The county spends millions of dollars each year to run the Henry Vilas Zoo, which is free to the public. 

“We’re always investing in the Zoo,” Kuhn said. “It’s part of an operational budget to make sure that we’re doing the best that we can to go through any processes or licensures we need.” 

AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe congratulated the zoo for meeting his organization’s standards.

“Earning accreditation is a mark of excellence and a testament to Henry Vilas Zoo’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of animal care and conservation,” Ashe said.

“Animal welfare is our top priority. This is something that we don’t take lightly,” said Ronda Schwetz, the zoo’s director.

She said in the past few years, the zoo has added a full-time veterinarian and more animal care staff. 

“We are continually looking towards the future while making sure that the present is also being done in a way that is helping our animals, our staff, our guests, our volunteers and our entire community,” Schwetz said. 

Thursday’s accreditation comes after the Dane County Board of Supervisors, in 2022, approved an outside investigation of the Henry Vilas Zoo in regards to allegations of racism, a hostile work environment and animal neglect.

It also follows a criminal charge and civil suit against zoo director Schwetz after police said she sexually assaulted an employee during an AZA conference in 2018. The civil suit also alleged retaliation against the employee for reporting the incident to the AZA.

Schwetz has denied the allegations, but a $2.8 million settlement was reached in the civil suit in March 2023. Schwetz remains on probation for the criminal charge with possible dismissal in 2027.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect details about the criminal charges and civil suit against zoo director Ronda Schwetz.