A national organization is putting off re-accrediting the Honolulu Zoo while it waits for the zoo to fill vacant personnel positions, complete repairs and upgrade animal exhibits.

The city said in a news release today the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has tabled the zoo’s re-accreditation for one year. 

The city says the association has given the zoo a list of items to address over the next nine months, after which it will send an inspection team to review the zoo’s progress. 

Officials say they’ve already addressed some items, and plan to address others in part by seeking more funding from the private sector. 

Zoo Director Manuel Mollinedo says the zoo’s animals are well cared for and improvements are under way, including construction of a major new elephant exhibit.