The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is seeking an explanation from the Biopark about how Alice escaped her enclosure.AZA released a statement Thursday saying, “That report will then be evaluated by the Accreditation Commission for any further action tied to accreditation requirements.”Biopark Director Brandon Gibson discussed whether this incident could affect the upcoming re-accreditation in September.”I don’t believe it will affect our accreditation or standing, but it’s something we all take very seriously,” Gibson said.Several years of Department of Agriculture reports conducted at the Biopark revealed multiple infractions, some listed as critical. In 2025, a mole rat escaped an enclosure and was caught in a glue trap, but survived. Water quality testing was delayed on five occasions inside an enclosure for a polar bear. Some drugs did not have an expiration date. Excessive ozone exposure was found in a penguin enclosure, causing some penguins to have high respiratory rates and cough. A chimpanzee enclosure had peeling and exposed rusted metal. Other inspections found perimeter fences in poor condition.”We have a dedicated team here of over 150 well-trained professional staff members. And we strive to meet all of those, you know, hundreds and hundreds of USDA permit levels and guidelines,” Gibson said.The Biopark stated that they have since corrected all of those infractions. There have been animal deaths at the Biopark over the past few years, including an orangutan in 2025, a wombat last year, a hippo euthanized due to a dental infection, and a giraffe with arthritis.”We have the latest technology and a very well-trained animal care staff. So, you know, these deaths that you listed. Tonka, the orangutan, was well into his 40s. The wombats way past their life expectancy. I think it’s a testament to the care and the health that we provide here at the Biopark,” Gibson said.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is seeking an explanation from the Biopark about how Alice escaped her enclosure.
AZA released a statement Thursday saying, “That report will then be evaluated by the Accreditation Commission for any further action tied to accreditation requirements.”
Biopark Director Brandon Gibson discussed whether this incident could affect the upcoming re-accreditation in September.
“I don’t believe it will affect our accreditation or standing, but it’s something we all take very seriously,” Gibson said.
Several years of Department of Agriculture reports conducted at the Biopark revealed multiple infractions, some listed as critical.
In 2025, a mole rat escaped an enclosure and was caught in a glue trap, but survived. Water quality testing was delayed on five occasions inside an enclosure for a polar bear. Some drugs did not have an expiration date. Excessive ozone exposure was found in a penguin enclosure, causing some penguins to have high respiratory rates and cough. A chimpanzee enclosure had peeling and exposed rusted metal. Other inspections found perimeter fences in poor condition.
“We have a dedicated team here of over 150 well-trained professional staff members. And we strive to meet all of those, you know, hundreds and hundreds of USDA permit levels and guidelines,” Gibson said.
The Biopark stated that they have since corrected all of those infractions. There have been animal deaths at the Biopark over the past few years, including an orangutan in 2025, a wombat last year, a hippo euthanized due to a dental infection, and a giraffe with arthritis.
“We have the latest technology and a very well-trained animal care staff. So, you know, these deaths that you listed. Tonka, the orangutan, was well into his 40s. The wombats way past their life expectancy. I think it’s a testament to the care and the health that we provide here at the Biopark,” Gibson said.
