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Pittsburgh Zoo Loses Sea Turtles In Dispute Over Elephants

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium last week withdrew from a national organization that accredits and certifies good practices.

On Tuesday, the zoo's director defended that decision, even if it means the loss of some revenue and programs.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums says Pittsburgh has one of the finest zoos.

"The Pittsburgh Zoo has been a national leader in developing various aspects in developing modern zoological practice," says Jim Maddy, the CEO of the association.

But the zoo's insistence on handling elephants with human contact violates a new AZA policy.

"You can manage them from outside their enclosures with intensive training and positive reinforcement, or you can go in and share a space with the animals and do it the old-fashioned way," said Maddy. "It is safer to avoid sharing space with elephants."

But Dr. Barbara Baker, CEO of the zoo, disagrees.

"We believe the AZA policy is more dangerous, not less dangerous," Baker says.

Baker says the AZA policy to deal with animals behind screens but then allow some human contact to treat injuries is dangerous.

"You can't just decide, now the animal is hurt, now we need to rush in and take care and help that animal when you haven't been going in with that animal for years," Baker said.

To some, this dispute is all about how to take care of elephants, the safest way, with human contact or without. But Pittsburgh Zoo officials say much more is at stake.

Can a national membership organization really dictate the best in animal care standards to people on the ground like the zookeepers who believe they know best how to take care of elephants?

"A membership organization shouldn't be mandating," says Baker.

But leaving the AZA means losing a small grant for the Kids Kingdom exhibit and some sea turtles from North Carolina. Baker is not worried.

"The sea turtle program is alive and well. This year we had 17 sea turtles in. We only had two from North Carolina," she said.

As for $170,000 from the state that requires AZA accreditation.

"We hope to be able to amend the language," Baker says.

Zoo officials say visitors will have the same great experience at the zoo.

"You won't see a lick of change here," she added.

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