Author: Robin Mason, GFAS

August 30, 2019, (West Newbury, MA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to New England Equine Rescue – North, Inc. as of August 23, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that New England Equine Rescue – North, Inc. (NEER-North) 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 New England Equine Rescue – North,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The rescue employs commendable best practices when undertaking care, rehabilitation, and training for the equines, enabling the animals to then be placed in permanent, adoptive homes.  In addition, NEER-North is run by a dedicated base of Board members and key volunteers who have a thorough background in, and understanding of, solid non-profit business practices, which has helped to provide a stable and sustainable footing for the rescue to operate on and increase capacity in a responsible fashion.”

“We at NEER-North are so incredibly proud to be Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, “said Mary Martin, NEER-North Executive Director.  “The process of Accreditation helped us to create a framework for our goals but also validated the great work we have been doing on behalf of our equines for the last 11 years. With their support, we hope to raise awareness for our mission and continue to build out our programs to help even more equines year to year.”

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 New England Equine Rescue – North, Inc.
NEER-North opened its doors in April 2008 and since that first rescue NEER-North has provided safe-haven, feed, medical care, love, and permanent adoptive homes for over 150 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. NEER-North collaborates with well-respected equine rescue organizations, animal hospitals, veterinarians, certified farriers and other community organizations to help equines in crisis, from owner surrenders, those who are victims of abuse and neglect, and horses at risk for entering high kill auctions.   NEER-North also offers feed and professional care assistance to horse owners unable to care for their equines due to financial hardship, and facilitation of owner-to-owner adoptions that keep the animal out of the rescue system.  Relying on volunteers, NEER-North continues to be a voice for the neglected, the abandoned and the endangered equine population in New England.  Learn more at https://neernorth.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.

August 29, 2019, (Prineville, OR) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Skydog Sanctuary as of August 22, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that Skydog Sanctuary 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 Skydog Sanctuary,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The sanctuary undertakes an enormous amount of work to educate and advocate on issues surrounding wild mustangs and burros, to help highlight the plight of these animals, then collaborating with agencies and others to find and implement solutions which fit their unique needs.  In addition, Skydog Sanctuary takes in and provides exemplary care for wild mustangs and burros who have been victims of abuse and neglect or are at-risk of slaughter, allowing the equines to happily live out their lives, with their family groupings.”

“The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries is absolutely the Gold Standard accreditation for any animal sanctuary, and gives the public a way to identify a well-run, well organized, well-funded and inspected sanctuary to help them feel safe about where their donation is going,” said Clare Staples, Skydog Sanctuary Executive Director.  “The process of attaining this certification is rigorous and extensive and so it should be – we feel so proud to be a part of the GFAS family and are grateful that such an organization exists for the welfare of all sanctuary animals.”

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 Skydog Sanctuary
Skydog Sanctuary rescues at risk wild mustangs and burros from across America and gives them back their health, safety and freedom.   We take in wild horses and burros who have been abused, neglected, starved or are already in the slaughter pipeline as well as reunite wild families who were separated during BLM roundups.   The other part of our mission is to raise awareness and educate people about wild horse and slaughter issues.  Learn more at https://www.skydogranch.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.

August 28, 2018 (Pittsboro, NC) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge as of August 20, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed 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 Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director. “The Refuge’s founders, Board of Directors and volunteers ensure that the highest level of humane and responsible care is provided to each animal residing at the sanctuary.  In addition, the sanctuary’s efforts to educate the public regarding welfare issues affecting farmed animals has a broader impact, helping to advance the entire field of farmed animal rescue and veganism, while growing greater empathy and compassion for all.”

“We are honored and excited to receive Accreditation through GFAS, positioning us as the first accredited farmed animal sanctuary in the state of North Carolina,” said Lenore Bradford, Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge Executive Director.  “We are extremely grateful to our strong and talented Board of Directors and our devoted community of volunteers and supporters, without whom our work would not be possible. We hope to continue to be resource to other individuals and groups who are passionate about farmed animal rescue, veganism, and the creation of a more compassionate 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 Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge
Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge (the Refuge) is a sanctuary for farmed animals who are rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment. Located in central North Carolina, the Refuge is home to over 100 goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese who are provided with high quality healthcare, daily enrichment, and animal-centered homes. The Refuge offers weekly guided tours, vegan cooking classes, summer camps, and other educational programs designed to inspire a compassionate vegan lifestyle. Learn more at www.piedmontrefuge.org

Download press release here.

August 27, 2019 (Clay, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Sunshine Horses, Inc. as of August 21, 2019.

Verification means that Sunshine Horses, Inc. meets the criteria of a true equine 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 Sunshine Horses, Inc. as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Sunshine Horses, Inc.,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “Sunshine Horses conducts outstanding rehabilitation, retraining, and successful re-homing programs, all to the benefit of the horses.  The organization’s Founder, Board Members, and volunteers are tremendously dedicated and involved in a hands-on way, ensuring both responsible and humane equine care and organizational growth and sustainability.”

“The Board of Directors and the volunteers, the backbone of Sunshine Horses, Inc. consider it an honor and privilege to be associated with and recognized by such a prestigious organization as Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries,” said Mary Minkoff, Vice President, Sunshine Horses, Inc.  “Following the strict standards of excellence, Sunshine Horses, Inc. is committed to humanely and ethically rescue and care for our horses in need, and prepare them for their next chapter, a loving home!”

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 Sunshine Horses, Inc.
Sunshine Horses, Inc. is a 501c3, not-for-profit, independent organization located in Central New York. It is operated by more than 150 dedicated volunteers who have a passion for saving and helping horses. Founded in 2003 by Kate Starr, Sunshine Horses specializes in retraining and re-homing retired Standardbred Racehorses. However, they work with all breeds and prepare them for their “forever” homes. Sunshine has successfully re-homed more than 200 horses since 2003. They also work with community groups and agencies, extending their educational and volunteer programs for youth, veterans, the disabled and other groups through mentoring and hands on care. Sunshine Horses, Inc. mission is “Helping Horses, Helping People.”  For more information, visit https://www.sunshinehorses.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.

August 15, 2019 (Ste. Genevieve, MO) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary as of August 14, 2019.

Verification means that Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary 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 Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary,” said Kristin Leppert, GFAS Program Director-Wildlife. “Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary provides high-quality, compassionate care and a permanent home to Izzy, Thor and Gracie, tigers that in the past have endured cruelty. Crown Ridge also works diligently to raise public awareness of the big cat crisis by conducting presentations, leading tours, and hosting education groups.” “Founded in 2004, Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is a relatively young sanctuary and we are so excited to become GFAS verified and continue to grow and work towards our accreditation while continuing to give animals a voice.” said John Madigan, Operations Manager of Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary.

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 Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary
Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit big cat rescue and educational facility that provides permanent lifelong care for abused, neglected or unwanted big cats. As a true sanctuary, we do not buy, sell, breed or trade any of our animals; we believe they deserve to live the rest of their lives in a healthy and caring environment. It is our goal to provide our animals with exceptional physical and mental care as well as educating the public about the growing captive wildlife crisis. We work to “Give Animals A Voice” by speaking up for animals, since they cannot speak for themselves. This is achieved through on and off-site presentations, tours, and education groups all to increase public awareness and inspire a change in the big cat crisis. For more information, visit Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary

Download press release here.

July 24, 2019 (Westfield, WI) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Primates Incorporated as of July 17, 2019.

Verification means that Primates Incorporated meets the criteria of a true primate 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 Primates Incorporated as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Primates Incorporated,” said Kristin Leppert, GFAS Program Director-Wildlife. “Primates Incorporated comprises a highly qualified team of caregivers committed to giving monkeys retired from laboratories the opportunity to live out their days amongst nature and loving companions. The group prioritizes individualized care while also developing plans for sustainable growth in the future.” “It is an honor to be verified by GFAS as they put animal welfare as their top priority for regulations. We referenced their Old World Monkey guidelines many times when we were setting up the sanctuary,” said Amy Kerwin, Executive Director of Primates Incorporated.

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 Primates Incorporated
Amy Kerwin founded Primates Incorporated in 2004 after working in a laboratory for five years with 97 rhesus monkeys at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Although her laboratory did not believe in primate retirement, other laboratories were actively retiring monkeys from throughout the United States. Since she heard of existing sanctuaries rejecting the laboratories due to capacity and funding issues, Kerwin knew the need existed to help them. She focused on developing a sanctuary in Wisconsin so that she could work with other laboratories to retire their monkeys, helping set precedent for local laboratories to do the same thing. Located in Westfield, Wisconsin, the sanctuary currently cares for 5 macaques retired from research and one vervet, a former pet. Primates Incorporated is a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, visit primatesinc.com

Download press release here.

July 18, 2019, (Louisville, KY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to the Kentucky Humane Society Equine C.A.R.E. Program as of June 20, 2019.

Accreditation signifies that the Kentucky Humane Society Equine C.A.R.E. Program 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 the Kentucky Humane Society Equine C.A.R.E. Program,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The rehabilitation and retraining services offered to equines-in-need are outstanding, allowing the Program to then match the equines with appropriate adoptive homes. The Kentucky Humane Society Equine C.A.R.E. Program also provides important safety-net programs, such as their Horse Help Line, which assists horses and owners in the state, who may be at-risk.”

“The Kentucky Humane Society is thrilled to receive Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Accreditation for our equine program. Receiving GFAS accreditation is a true honor and illustrates our dedication to providing excellent care to the horses in our care,” said Lori Redmon, KHS President & CEO.

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 Kentucky Humane Society
Based in Louisville, the Kentucky Humane Society is the state’s largest and oldest animal welfare organization, established in 1884. Its equine program is focused on helping the companion or recreational horse. Priorities include moving horses from crisis into safe homes or rescue, providing re-homing services to horse owners who can no longer keep them, matching available horses with adopters, and making educational tools and resources available to our equine community. Learn more at www.kyhumane.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.

View Press Release here.

July 11, 2019 (Newcastle, OK) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary (formerly Mindy’s Memory Primate Sanctuary) as of April 26, 2019.

Verification means that Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true primate 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 Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary,” said Kristin Leppert, GFAS Program Director-Wildlife. “Oklahoma Primate endeavors to provide the highest level of individualized care for its’ animal residents. In this manner, the work of Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary encompasses so much more than humane care for animals-in-need; the organization is extending lessons of compassion and respect for all living beings.” “Everyone at the Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary is thankful and excited to have earned Verification status from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. Given the proliferation of pseudo-sanctuaries, it is critically important that an independent organization with high levels of animal expertise be able to present and uphold a set of standards that assists legitimate sanctuaries in achieving an exceptional level of care for their residents, said Tim Ajax, Executive Director of Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary. “Staff members have worked hard to achieve this goal and we look forward to many more improvements on behalf of our primate residents.”

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 Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary
First established in 1993, The Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary provides exceptional, compassionate, lifetime care for non-human primates retired from research, rehomed from the pet trade, or retired from display. We are dedicated to providing a highly enriched quality of life for the primates in our care by giving them access to natural environments, regular psychological enrichment, a healthy and diverse diet, and professional veterinary care.

Located outside of Newcastle, OK, the sanctuary currently cares for over 80 animals on 12.5 acres. Primate residents range from a few years old to over 30 years of age and represent fifteen different species: four species of capuchin, four species of vervet-type monkeys, patas monkeys, and six species of macaques.

Due to their unnatural upbringing, many of the monkeys display abnormal behaviors which they developed as a way to deal with the intense stresses they suffered in their early years. These unfortunate primates can never be released to the wild, so the sanctuary’s focus is on providing a highly enriched environment that stimulates and encourages engagement in natural behaviors such as foraging for food and social grooming.

The Oklahoma Primate Sanctuary is a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and receives no government funding. We are solely reliant on the generosity and compassion of donors as well as private foundations to help us achieve our life-affirming work. For more information, visit okprimates.org

Download press release here.

July 2, 2019 (Westminster, MD) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Little Longears Mini Donkey Rescue as of June 18, 2019.

Verification means that Little Longears Mini Donkey Rescue meets the criteria of a true equine 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 Little Longears Mini Donkey Rescue as an exceptional organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Little Longears Mini Donkey Rescue,” said Valerie Taylor, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “The personnel at Little Longears have a very thorough understanding of, and experience in equine care-the donkeys benefit greatly from the responsible rehabilitation, retraining, and adoption programs provided for them.  The organization’s Founders seem to continually keep an eye focused on the future as well, strategizing and planning initiatives to increase program capacity and ensure organizational sustainability, all for the advantage of the animals in their care.”

“Little Longears is thrilled to be verified by GFAS,” said Valerie Lowe, Executive Director, Little Longears Mini Donkey Rescue.  “This is an important step towards significant credibility for our donkey rescue.”

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 Little Longears Mini Donkey Rescue
Little Longears Miniature Donkey Rescue is dedicated to the rescue, care, and safe sanctuary, when needed, of neglected, abused, or otherwise unwanted donkeys.  The organization also provides a safe haven for owners to surrender their donkeys to, in the event that they are no longer able to care for them.  For more information, visit https://www.littlelongears.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.