Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Arboretum in Bridgeport has been awarded a Level 1 Accreditation for its professional practices.

"This accreditation recognizes the zoo's commitment to the preservation of all living things," the zoo director said.

Beardsley Zoo attempts to recreate the natural habitats of over 350 animals that are primarily from North and South America and northern Asia.

Most recently, the zoo’s horticulture team has mimicked the "high altitudes of the Andes with evergreen and shade trees" in the new Andean bear habitat, according to its website.