Latest news with #AccreditationStandards
CBS News
23-04-2025
- General
- CBS News
LA Zoo relocating its last two Asian elephants to animal preserve at zoo in Oklahoma
The Los Angeles Zoo announced that they will relocate their last two Asian elephants to a new preserve at the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma. Billy and Tina, 40 and 59, will be moved to the Elephant Experience and Preserve in Tulsa, according to zoo officials. "This decision was made with the care and wellbeing of Billy and Tina as the number one priority and will afford them the opportunity to live among other elephants," said a statement from the LA Zoo. They say that the decision was made after evaluating their current elephant exhibit since the deaths of two other elephants in recent years, even though they were both in "declining health due to issues unrelated to the Zoo's enclosure." Jewel, a 61-year-old female, died in 2023 and Shaunzi, a 53-year-old female, died the following year. Both deaths were met by protests outside of the zoo from animal right activists calling for the remaining elephants' release due to "unnatural and neglectful conditions and confinement," demonstrators said at the time. "Following the move, the Zoo will pause its elephant program for the immediate future," officials said. "The Zoo will continue to support Asian elephant conservation programs and the Elephants of Asia exhibit will be reimagined for other suitable species and programming." Currently, the facility at the Tulsa Zoo is home to five Asian elephants. It covers 17 acres of land, including a wooded elephant preserve and a 36,000+ square-foot elephant barn. "There is still time to see Billy and Tina before they depart," the release said. "A date for the move has not yet been determined." Zoo officials made note that the decision has been under consideration for an extended period of time and has no relation to Mayor Karen Bass' city budget proposal made on Monday, which included 1,600 potential layoffs for city employees. They reached their conclusion with help from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and their Elephant Species Survival Plan, as well as the Taxon Advisory Group. There is no timetable for when or if elephants will return to the LA Zoo, as officials say that they would first need to meet the social and gender requirements outlined in AZA's Accreditation Standards, something made even more difficult due to the limited availability of Asian elephants.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Southwestern IN towns to receive new Main Street designations
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Office of Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced 15 organizations have been recognized as Indiana Main Street programs or have moved into a new Indiana Main Street level. Some communities in southwestern Indiana were recognized. Officials explain the Indiana Main Street program annually accepts applications for three levels, which include: Indiana Accredited Main Street (IAMS) IAMS programs meet all Accreditation Standards set forth by Main Street America, but may lack a full-time paid staff person and do not have an identified transformation strategy. Aspiring Indiana Accredited Main Street (A-IAMS) A-IAMS programs are within one year of meeting all Accreditation Standards set forth by Main Street America and may lack a full-time paid staff person. OCRA's Downtown Affiliate Network (ODAN) ODAN communities may prefer to specialize in event-related activities only, lack the physical or historical capacity required to qualify as a Main Street organization or are working towards building capacity to meet the Main Street America Accreditation Standards. Crews begin with demo on historic building in Cannelton 'These organizations are doing amazing work to breathe new life into Indiana downtowns, which support our local businesses and unite our communities,' Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith said. 'Main Street has a way of bringing everyone together. It's where you really get to know your neighbors and come together for local events. It's the heartbeat of the community. Congratulations to all 15 of these Hoosier communities – your hard work is paying off, and I can't wait to see what you accomplish next!' The organizations earning new Indiana Main Street designations that are within the Eyewitness News coverage area include: Aspiring Indiana Accredited Main Street Association For A Better Rockport OCRA Downtown Affiliate Network Jacobsville Neighborhood (Evansville) Framing Ferdinand United Way speaks out on Dolly Parton Imagination Library state budget cuts Officials say a main street organization's performance is evaluated by Indiana Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify organizations that meet rigorous performance standards. 'As we celebrate 40 years of Indiana Main Street, we are excited to welcome eight new communities into the program and see seven organizations level up,' said OCRA Executive Director Fred Glynn. 'The Indiana Main Street program continues to grow and help communities prioritize downtown revitalization, transform their main street corridors and fuel local engagement. Congratulations to our 15 newly designated main streets organizations!' According to OCRA, the organizations will receive a formal certificate, access to Main Street America and Indiana Main Street training, networking opportunities with other regional and statewide programs, a resource toolbox unique to their needs and more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
