Brevard Zoo and Wildside Tours have been awarded the Gold Level certification by the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism (SEE). Brevard Zoo is the only Zoo in the state to achieve this certification and the largest attraction in the state to hold a Gold Level status.

Florida SEE is a non-profit educational organization that is recognized as the leading authority on authentic ecotourism in Florida. Ecotourism refers to tourism to places having unspoiled natural resources, with minimal impact on the environment being a primary concern.

“While ecotourism is a fairly new concept to most Americans, many Europeans place a strong importance on ecotourism as a factor in their vacation planning,” said Andrew Batten, director of attractions, Brevard Zoo. “As awareness of ecotourism grows, more Americans are expected to seek out environmentally conscious vacation opportunities.”

Gold Level status is the second highest level that can be achieved in this four-tiered program and means providers meet all core criteria plus 75% to 89% of bonus criteria.

In addition to the core criteria, Brevard Zoo was awarded bonus points for a wide range of programs, including renewable energy use, commitment to wildlife conservation and restoration and employee safety training.

For more information about Florida SEE, visit www.floridasee.org