Author: Robin Mason, GFAS

December 16, 2019 (Citra, FL) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Kindred Spirits Sanctuary as of December 9, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that Kindred Spirits Sanctuary meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed farm animal care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects.

“We are proud to announce the Accreditation of Kindred Spirits Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “There is no denying that this highly qualified team of professionals is committed to providing a safe haven for everyone of their 175 plus resident animals. Each animal is treated as an individual with unique care needs and personalities. Their beautiful ranch and habitats provide acres of green grass, wallowing ponds, and shade structures for animals to luxuriate for the remainder of their lives.”

“Kindred Spirits also has their own Veterinarian Program which also provides low cost care for several other farm sanctuaries. Public education is an important part of their mission. Farm animals are exploited every day in our society and are subject to horrific forms of abuse. Kindred Spirits Sanctuary invites the public to value animals as unique sentient beings.”

“At Kindred Spirits Sanctuary we believe that accreditation is an important part of the work farm animal sanctuaries do, as it helps set a high standard for individualized animal care,” said Logan Vindett, Executive Director of Kindred Spirits Sanctuary. “All too often farm animals are looked at as just a number in our society, proving that they are so much more requires attention to every aspect of their care. Accreditation also helps us speak to our donors about the work we do and how their donations make an impact, by proving that it is not just excellent animal care that we practice but also smart business strategies.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Kindred Spirits Sanctuary
Kindred Spirits is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to ending the abuse and suffering of farm animals through rescue, advocacy and education. We seek to provide a place where people can connect with these sentient beings and discover their unique (and often humorous!) personalities. At Kindred Spirits, farm animals are our friends, not our food. We are passionate about helping others form bonds with these remarkable animals, and gladly give tours on scheduled days. Kindred Spirits Sanctuary invites you to come and give a pig a belly rub or get a kiss from a cow! Volunteers are also welcome to join our “Work Parties” and are invaluable to our rescue work. For more information, visit http://www.kssfl.org.

Download press release here.

December 6, 2019 (Keenesburg, CO) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to The Wild Animal Sanctuary and The Wild Animal Refuge as of December 3, 2019. Together both sanctuaries provide lifelong care to more than 500 animals that have been abused, abandoned, displaced or neglected.

Achieving GFAS Accreditation means that The Wild Animal Sanctuary (TWAS) and its extension facility, The Wild Animal Refuge (TWAR) meet the criteria of true sanctuaries and are providing humane and responsible care for the animals. To be awarded Accreditation status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards and also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The accreditation status provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize TWAS and TWAR as exceptional sanctuaries.

“We are very proud to announce the recent Accreditation of these two affiliated sanctuaries,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “The Wild Animal Sanctuary and The Wild Animal Refuge provide exceptional care for many animals, including many lions, tigers and bears, that have been rescued from horrific captive situations. The two sanctuaries together are possibly the largest in the world, providing over 10,000 acres of natural habitats comprised of hills, canyons, springs, and caves for animals to rehabilitate and roam freely. Also, Pat and his excellent team provide comprehensive education regarding the welfare and plight of captive wildlife and are dedicated to helping animals-in-need worldwide.”

“As the Executive Director of The Wild Animal Sanctuary, I would like to say how grateful we are to be accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS),” said Pat Craig, ED of Wild Animal Sanctuary.  “Their extensive efforts to identify and accredit world class facilities is unparalleled, and generously enables public confidence when looking toward the safety and wellbeing of rescued animals around the world.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About The Wild Animal Sanctuary and The Wild Animal Refuge

Established in 1980, The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a state and federally licensed zoological facility and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our educational facility is located outside of Keenesburg, Colorado, 30 miles northeast of Denver, on 789 acres of rural, rolling grasslands, sheltering more than 500 large carnivores!  Our Refuge facility is a 9,684-acre property located in southern Colorado near the town of Springfield, CO.  This facility is not open to the public and hosts rescued animals in amazingly natural habitats ranging upwards in size of 100 -1,000 acres in size.  TWAS is the largest and oldest sanctuary of its kind in the World.

For the past 39 years, TWAS has responded to more than 1,000 requests from private citizens and government agencies to rescue animals from across the United States and other countries. Our resident animals were abandoned, abused, kept illegally or were victims or other terrible situations. Most were the pets of private citizens but were confiscated by law enforcement officials for being in illegal or abusive situations. Others were surplus animals from zoos and other wildlife facilities, where they faced euthanasia due to over-breeding, overcrowding or closure due to inadequate finances. Our 500+ residents include tigers, African lions, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions, leopards, wolves, servals, bobcats, foxes, lynx, coyote, coati mundi, raccoon, porcupine, tortoise, ostrich, emu, camels, alpacas, yaks, horses, donkeys and rescued dogs and cats. For more information, visit www.wildanimalsanctuary.org.

Download press release here.

November 21, 2019 (Coloma, WI) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary as of November 12, 2019.

Verification means that SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true farmed animal sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Executive Director. “SonnyBoy saw a great need for rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary and adoption services for farmed animals, mini pigs in particular. Since their organization’s inception, SonnyBoy’s Founders, Board, and personnel have endeavored to create a facility which provides the highest level of care for its’ animal residents, and couples this with educational outreach and advocacy programs.”

“The news of having been granted the status of Verification by GFAS has elicited great honor at the sanctuary,” said Nicole Helmer, Executive Director of SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary. “Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries is a well-respected organization known to have outstanding credentials and a rigorous system to ensure the quality of the organizations they grant membership to.  Receiving Verification, and being the first mini pig-specific sanctuary in the United States to do so, is a great honor and only makes us strive to continue to deserve the designation.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary
SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary is home to a number of animals that were in need of a place of refuge.  Incorporated in 2016, SonnyBoy has grown from a simple sanctuary for a few animals to the largest mini-pig specific sanctuary licensed in the State of Wisconsin.  We are located in Coloma, Wisconsin on just over 6 acres in the rolling hills of central Wisconsin with a sky full of stars and a barn full of mini pigs. Although we have taken in a few horses, goats, and lots of chickens over the years, we have chosen to specialize in mini pigs. We mainly take in mini pigs that have been seized by animal control and/or law enforcement. Many of these animals have been neglected, abused, and suffer medical conditions. We work on moving the animals out of animal control as soon as possible, due to the lack of proper space for and knowledge of mini pigs.  While at the sanctuary they receive proper medical care, are given a high-quality diet with supplements as needed, and when appropriate, are accessed for what kind of family they would fit into.  If found to have the proper requirements for rehoming (temperament, history, size), they are prepared for adoption.  If the animal is deemed to not be a candidate for rehoming, they will live their natural lives out here at the sanctuary.  SonnyBoy Animal Sanctuary is a licensed, registered Wisconsin nonprofit and an IRS designated 501c3 organization. For more information, visit https://www.sonnyboyanimalsanctuary.org/

Download press release here.

November 15, 2019, (Meridian, ID) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Idaho Horse Rescue as of September 9, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that Idaho Horse Rescue meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects.

“We are proud to announce the Accreditation of Idaho Horse Rescue,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Executive Director. “This organization has created impressive rescue, rehabilitation and retraining services in an area of the country where few resources exist for equine-in-need. Operating with a solid business background, Idaho Horse Rescue is creating connections in the community and with local law enforcement which will help to increase opportunities and raise awareness for at-risk horses in their state now and into the future.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Idaho Horse Rescue
Idaho Horse Rescue’s mission is to rescue horses from abusive or neglectful situations, to rehabilitate them both physically and mentally, and to coordinate adoptions into loving, caring and educated forever homes. We work diligently with State and County law enforcement officials and animal welfare agencies to facilitate the surrender of said horses as well as offering equine education and training to horse owners in our community. We are one of the only, if not the only organization of our kind within our geographical area which covers 19 counties in Southeastern Oregon, Northern Nevada and Southwestern Idaho.  Learn more at  http://www.idahohorserescue.org/ .

Download press release here.

October 8, 2019, (Guthrie, OK) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations, awarded Accredited status to Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc. as of October 7, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc. meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects.

“We are proud to announce the Accreditation of Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc., the first organization to be Accredited by GFAS in Oklahoma.” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “This organization was also the first rehabilitation and training facility in Oklahoma to give Off-the Track Thoroughbred racehorses an opportunity to learn new skills to prepare them for new homes. Since January 2019 they have found homes for more than 20 horses, and homes for almost 300 horses since their beginning.”

“In addition to providing excellent care to their resident horses, Thoroughbred Athletes implements the full range of non-profit management best practices while maintaining the highest standard of professionalism. While rescuing and rehabilitating horses may be their central mission, they also work closely with youth ensuring the next generation learns responsible and humane care for these amazing animals.”

“We are very excited about our achievement of Accreditation with GFAS,” said Lynn Sullivan, Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc., Executive Director. “The process really helped us to look at all that we do and ensure we were doing the best we could do.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc.
Our mission and our motto are “respect their past and prepare for their future.” My goal in starting up this organization was to serve the racing community by offering an alternative to sending horses to livestock auctions. As a former racehorse trainer, I know how limited horsemen are when it comes to finding good homes for the ones that are not competitive. These are versatile, young horses that love attention and love having a job. With the help of many great volunteers, we’ve been able to help hundreds of horses into great homes and we’ve also produced many champions in the show arena.  Learn more at  https://www.thoroughbred-athletes.com.

Download press release here.

September 20, 2019 (Coxsackie, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation as of August 29, 2019.

Verification means that Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation meets the criteria of a true animal sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director. “The sanctuary provides outstanding rehabilitation, and retraining opportunities to the Thoroughbred horses in their care, with a goal of then finding permanent adoptive homes.  Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation couples this exemplary daily care with a robust, and growing education and advocacy component which strives to raise awareness and make change for Thoroughbred horses who are bound for slaughter, retiring from racing, in peril, or unwanted.”

“As a Thoroughbred-specific sanctuary, the GFAS Verification denotes the seriousness of our mission to the public,” said Susan Kayne, Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation Founder and President.  “Until Thoroughbreds are valued for their inherent worth, they will continue to be viewed by most as commodities. Through hands-on engagement and unprecedented access to the awesomeness of Thoroughbreds in their senior years we hope to transform how people think about who they as are friends and fellow sentient beings. The GFAS Verification gives the public the confidence to take this empathetic leap of the imagination with us. We are proud to be in the GFAS family and will next seek to achieve Accreditation as a model sanctuary.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation
Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation is devoted to providing sanctuary for Thoroughbreds. Since 2004, we have helped many dozens of Thoroughbreds transition from the slaughter-pipeline into loving homes. We advocate for respectful care of the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of Thoroughbreds throughout their natural lifespan. The stories of our permanent Sanctuary residents serve to educate the public on the evolving needs of Thoroughbreds. Our work is guided by the fundamental principle that every equine life is deserving of compassion, protection from harm, and moral consideration for his or her inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness as an individual being.  For more information, visit http://Unbridledfoundation.org.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org. To become a fan of the ASPCA on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/aspca. To follow the ASPCA on Twitter, go to http://www.twitter.com/aspca.

Download press release here.

September 17, 2019 (Kasugho, DRC) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, has awarded Accredited status to Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center in the Democratic Republic of Congo as of September 10, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that GRACE meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards, as well as adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education and outreach, security and safety, and other operational aspects. This accredited status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize GRACE as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the accreditation of GRACE,” said Jackie Bennett, GFAS Program Director-Africa and Asia. “In the midst of a challenging environment, GRACE is dedicated at all levels to providing high quality care to its critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas, as well as large forested enclosures that offer the gorillas both freedom and safety. GRACE also places a priority on engaging with local communities through education programs and conservation initiatives, with a focus on working with women’s groups.”

“We are thrilled and honored to receive GFAS accreditation,” said Dr. Sonya Kahlenberg, GRACE Executive Director. “At GRACE, we take great pride in the excellent care we have been providing orphaned Grauer’s gorillas for the past 10 years. Accreditation validates our approach, but GFAS’s rigorous process also helped us improve as a sanctuary and organization so we are now better positioned to reach our ambitious goals. We are grateful to our dedicated DRC team that works hard every day to ensure the gorillas have the best life possible. We also thank our expert advisors for training and supporting our team, GRACE’s board for their leadership, and our many supporters for making our work possible.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. For more about GFAS, visit: www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About GRACE

Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the U.S. that operates the world’s only sanctuary for Critically Endangered Grauer’s gorillas in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The largest primate in the world, Grauer’s gorillas only live in war-torn eastern DRC. Their numbers have dropped by nearly 80% in the past 20 years due to heavy poaching. They are considered one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world with only 3,800 individuals remaining in the wild. GRACE cares for 14 orphaned gorillas rescued from poachers and works to rehabilitate them so they can one day return to the wild. At GRACE, the gorillas live in a single gorilla group that functions as a surrogate family and spend their days in protected forest habitats. GRACE also leads field research and partners with local communities on education and conservation initiatives to protect a critical population of wild gorillas living in Tayna Nature Reserve. For more about GRACE, visit: www.gracegorillas.org.

Download press release here.