Author: Robin Mason, GFAS

“Bat World Sanctuary truly maintains the welfare of the bats as their highest priority as demonstrated by their individualized intensive care of non-releasable bats and the extremely high survival rates of the bats they rescue, rehabilitate and release back into the wild”, says, Kellie Heckman, Executive Director of GFAS.

Weatherford, TX – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is honored to announce that Bat World Sanctuary in Weatherford, Texas has achieved GFAS Accreditation.

“It is heartwarming to animals that are so often misunderstood and mistreated receiving the high quality, life-long care and respect they deserve at Bat World Sanctuary. Bat World Sanctuary truly maintains the welfare of the bats as their highest priority as demonstrated by their individualized intensive care of non-releasable bats and the extremely high survival rates of the bats they rescue, rehabilitate and release back into the wild”, says, Kellie Heckman, Executive Director of GFAS

Achieving GFAS Accreditation means Bat World Sanctuary meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and as such provides humane and responsible care for bats and meets the rigorous standards for operations, administration, and veterinary care established by GFAS. GFAS is the only globally recognized organization that provides a method for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, rescues and rehabilitation centers. The accreditation status provides a clear and trusted means for public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Bat World Sanctuary as an exceptional sanctuary.

Bat World Sanctuary is on the front lines to end the mistreatment of bats. Each year Bat World Sanctuary rescues hundreds of bats who might otherwise die. Lifetime sanctuary is given to non-releasable bats, including those that are orphaned, injured, and retired from the exotic pet trade, zoos and research facilities. Many of the bats at Bat World Sanctuary lived in highly substandard conditions before arriving at the sanctuary. Bat World Sanctuary provides the security and privacy these bats need to recuperate and live comfortable, healthy lives. Bat World Sanctuary also works to protect and conserve wild bat colonies; promote the humane treatment of bats in captivity; educate the public about the importance of bats; and train animal care professionals on the proper treatment of bats. To date, Bat World Sanctuary has trained over 400 veterinarians, biologists, zoologists and other animal care professionals from every bat inhabited continent in the world.

Bat World Sanctuary has been on the forefront of cutting-edge rehabilitation methods for over two decades. One of Bat World Sanctuary’s greatest achievements was the recovery of an orphaned, hand-raised free-tailed bat. Previous rehabilitation theories by others strongly indicated that hand-raised orphaned insectivorous bats could not be released back to the wild due to their inability to develop appropriate survival skills. However, Bat World Sanctuary rescued, rehabilitated and released an orphan free-tailed bat that was discovered as an adult thirteen years later. During her lifetime, the bat likely migrated over 30,000 miles on her way to and from Mexico every year, raised six to eight youngsters of her own, and ate an estimated 23,725,000 insect pests. The recovery of this free-tailed bat rehabilitated and released by Bat World Sanctuary proves without doubt that orphaned insectivorous bats can indeed be released back to the wild to live the rich, full lives they deserve.

“It is an honor to have earned accreditation with the prestigious Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. Having this title, along with being accredited by the American Sanctuary Association, earns Bat World Sanctuary the merit of being the only accredited bat sanctuary on earth”, says Amanda Lollar, Founder & President of Bat World 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 Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. localhost.

About Bat World Sanctuary
Bat World Sanctuary was founded in 1994 and is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to provide a permanent sanctuary for non-releasable bats and to protect and conserve wild bat colonies. Bat World Sanctuary is the legacy of a small bat, found permanently injured on a hot Texas sidewalk in 1988. This tiny, two-inch creature was the inspiration behind the creation of Bat World Sanctuary. Bat World Sanctuary is now the largest rehabilitation/teaching sanctuary in the world that is solely dedicated to bats and has been recognized as the “leaders in the field of the rehabilitation of bats” by government agencies.

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February 12, 2016 (Homestead, Florida)-  The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SFSPCA) as of February 12, 2016.

Accreditation signifies that SFSPCA meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine and 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.

“Since 1993 SFSPCA has provided a safe haven for more than 2,000 horses and farm animals in immediate need of assistance due to abandonment or abuse. SFSPCA’s commitment to providing high quality care and rehabilitation for these animals is undeniable,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Director of Accreditation – Equine. “Also, the Board of Directors, staff and volunteers of SFSPCA are to be congratulated for their ongoing efforts to achieve management best practices ensuring the long term sustainability of SFSPCA. We congratulate them for this well-deserved achievement of GFAS Accreditation.”

“South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue is ecstatic to receive Accreditation status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. GFAS accreditation is the international gold standard for sanctuaries, rescue centers and rehabilitation centers in the animal welfare community,” said Kathleen Monahan, President SFSPCA. She continued, “South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue is an important resource for South Florida’s Miami-Dade County, and we are extremely proud to be recognized for our continuous efforts to meet GFAS’s high animal care and management standards. We pledge to maintain adherence to these standards as we continue our work of providing the best quality of life possible for equines and livestock in our care. Thank you to the Board of Directors, Committees and Staff of GFAS for bestowing this great honor on South Florida SPCA.”

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 Born Free USA, 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. localhost.

About South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Miami, Florida. Founded in 1992, it is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of abused, neglected and abandoned horses and other large farm animals. The organization also educates the community about responsible horse care and ownership, and promotes the welfare of equines through local and national advocacy. SFSPCA operates under the guidelines of Florida State Statutes Chapter 828 which defines animal cruelty, abandonment and neglect. It is not part of or supported by a national or governmental agency, nor associated with the A.S.P.C.A. or any other agency or charity. Operating funds come from the donations of money, services and personal efforts of private individuals and companies. For more information, visit www.helpthehorses.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.

February 1, 2016 (Dover Plains, NY)-  The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue as of January 21, 2016.

Accreditation signifies that Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine and 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.

“Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue is a great role model for equine sanctuaries, demonstrating excellence in equine best practices of care and non-profit management,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Director of Accreditation – Equine. “Also, Lucky Orphans is dedicated to the provision of humane education in their community. This is truly the mark of an organization that is destined to make a difference in the lives of equines and people, particularly children.”

“Being GFAS Accredited is an amazing achievement,” said Deanna Mancuso, Director and Founder of Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue. “It is the best gift I can share with all my volunteers and all our residents. Everyone who makes Lucky Orphans the best it can be should feel proud in what we have accomplished together.”

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 Born Free USA, 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. localhost.

About Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue is dedicated to providing a safe haven for unwanted, abused, neglected horses and to improve the relationship between horses and people. We are committed to raising funds to support the rescued horses in our care and will pursue the acquisition of grants, gifts, bequests and donations to support the organization. We are a no-kill rescue striving to promote the humane treatment and to strengthen the bond between horses and people through the education of people, especially children. Our goal is to properly unite humans and horses in a safe environment, using accepted methods to preserve the best equine care through informative and instructional guidance, education and administration adhering to the understanding of the need for the preservation of rural equine communities. We are not breed specific and promise each of our horses will never again know the abuse, neglect, abandonment or other injury that brought them to our facilities.

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue is now EAGALA certified and can provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Growth and Learning programs. Our EAGALA certified staff are committed to working side by side with the horses we rescue to help change the lives of people with a diverse range of struggles such as those suffering from addictions, depression, grief & loss, trauma, at-risk youth, and improving relationships in families and groups.

For more information, visit www.luckyorphanshorserescue.org or call 845-416-8583

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.

(Washington DC) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, the only globally recognized organization providing standards to identify legitimate animal sanctuaries and wildlife rescue centers, has awarded accredited status to Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, located in Malawi, as of December 21, 2015.

As confirmed through an onsite visit by GFAS, this accreditation signifies that Lilongwe Wildlife Centre meets the Federation’s rigorous, peer-reviewed standards that define a true sanctuary providing humane and responsible care of animals, as well as standards addressing safety and security, veterinary care, and other areas of financial and organizational sustainability. Accredited status with GFAS provides a transparent, trusted means for the public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Lilongwe Wildlife Centre as an outstanding facility.

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, established in 2007 by Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, cares for more than 200 injured or rescued wild animals each year including carnivores, primates, birds, reptiles and antelope. While most animals are rescued within Malawi, the Wildlife Centre also gives sanctuary to some animals rescued from captivity and abuse in other countries. Wherever possible, animals are released back in the wild where they belong. Those who cannot be released are given sanctuary and lifetime care.

“Lilongwe Wildlife Centre plays a critical role in Malawi, not only by rescuing and rehabilitating hundreds of animals, but also through its strong animal welfare and conservation education programs, ” said Jackie Bennett, GFAS Director of Accreditation, Africa and Asia. “The Wildlife Centre has demonstrated excellent care of its animals, and serves as an example of responsible tourism that makes animal welfare the first priority. The Centre is also a focused on sustainability, with clear goals set in the coming years to ensure the ongoing high quality of animal care.”

“Receiving GFAS Accreditation has been a fabulous start of 2016,” said Jasper Iepema, Sanctuary Manager for Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. “We are thrilled that our hard work has met the exacting standards required and we look forward to working together with both GFAS and its other certified sanctuaries in the coming years, continually striving to be the best sanctuary that we can be and sharing our resources and experiences with others wherever helpful.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a United States 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 Born Free USA, 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 information, please visit localhost.

About Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
Currently the only accredited wildlife sanctuary in Malawi, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is home to almost 200 injured or rescued wild animals including carnivores, primates, birds, reptiles and antelope. It is also the country’s largest environmental education facility, welcoming over 30,000 visitors a year, and protects an important urban wildlife reserve.

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is a project of Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, which is a CONGOMA registered NGO working to protect Malawi’s wildlife and habitats. Lilongwe Wildlife Trust runs a number of projects nationwide, including the Wildlife Emergency Response Unit, a joint initiative with the Malawi Government. The environmental education and community conservation projects are designed to benefit both people and wildlife and research projects cover wildlife release, conservation medicine and conservation genetics. Combatting wildlife crime through advocacy and enforcement is also a key remit for the Trust, with work including policy and law reviews, ivory detection dogs and pro-active law enforcement. Find out more at www.lilongwewildlife.org.

Download press release here.

October 23, 2015 (Gilmer, Texas) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement Home as of October 20, 2015.

Accreditation signifies that Safe Haven Equine Rescue meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine and 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.

“From the beginning of their application for GFAS certification, Safe Haven Equine Rescue was committed to setting a high bar for achieving compliance with equine standards of excellence,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Director of Accreditation – Equine. “Because most of their horses come from cruelty situations, Safe Haven Equine Rescue is dedicated to providing a healing and nurturing environment so these horses can find new and lasting homes. This organization is clearly devoted to sustainability ensuring that they will succeed in helping many horses in years to come”.

“Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement Home, Inc. is ecstatic to be accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. It is an honor to be recognized by our peers who share our devotion to these majestic horses. We look forward to continuing to provide the highest level of care to all the horses that come to us,” said Kerri Downs,” Vice President of Safe Haven Equine Rescue.

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

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 Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. localhost.

About Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement Home

Since 1999, Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement Home has been dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected, and distressed horses. Located just outside Gilmer, Texas, Safe Haven Equine Rescue has rescued and found loving forever homes for 400-plus horses and provided sanctuary for horses that could not be adopted due to age or disability. For more information about Safe Haven Equine Rescue and Retirement Home, call 903.762.1432, email us at [email protected], or visit www.safehavenequinerescue.com.  

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.

(Washington DC) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries –the only globally recognized organization providing standards to identify legitimate animal sanctuaries and wildlife rescue centers – has awarded accredited status to the Vervet Monkey Foundation, located in Tzaneen, South Africa, as of October 2, 2015.

As confirmed through an onsite visit by GFAS, this accreditation signifies that the Vervet Monkey Foundation meets the Federation’s rigorous, peer-reviewed standards that define a true sanctuary providing humane and responsible care of animals, as well as standards addressing safety and security, veterinary care, and other areas of financial and organizational sustainability. Accredited status with GFAS provides a transparent, trusted means for the public, donors, and government agencies to recognize the Vervet Monkey Foundation as an outstanding sanctuary.

“GFAS is honored to recognize the outstanding work being done at the Vervet Monkey Foundation as our first accredited primate facility in Africa,” states Kellie Heckman, GFAS Executive Director. “Their accreditation represents a remarkable dedication to a lifetime of care for the monkeys at their facility.”

“The Vervet Monkey Foundation does a tremendous and important job caring for hundreds of monkeys that are often seen by the public as undesirable, and the sanctuary takes great care to address the individual social and medical needs for each,” said Jackie Bennett, GFAS Director of Accreditation, Africa and Asia. “They have also demonstrated a commitment to creating a sustainable organization with set plans and goals to ensure the continuing care of these primates.”

The Vervet Monkey Foundation is currently home to more than 500 vervet monkeys, as well as several samango monkeys. Through its carefully designed rehabilitation program, the center has successfully integrated hundreds of orphaned baby vervets into troops that live in natural environments in large open topped enclosures. Where possible and when the locations of their troops are known, monkeys are released back to the wild after receiving necessary treatment. The Vervet Monkey Foundation also engages in community outreach and education to teach the public about vervets and ways to avoid human-animal conflicts.

“The Vervet Monkey Foundation (VMF) is thrilled to be the first sanctuary in Africa to be accredited by GFAS,” says Dave du Toit, VMF’s Co-Director. “The VMF team have been working hard towards these standards and would like to say a huge thank you to GFAS, all the staff, volunteers and supporters for helping us to achieve this incredible milestone,” adds Co-Director Josie du Toit. “The VMF pledges to always put the monkeys in their care first and to strive to change public perception.”

The next big vision on which the VMF is working is the Vervet Forest project, envisioned as a 300-500 hectare indigenous bush area in South Africa. The goal of the project is to create a protected forest for rehabilitated orphaned and abused vervet monkeys who will be free from hunting, culling and human conflict; to create a whole thriving eco-system that benefits indigenous plant and animal life; and to host international and local educational workshops with the themes of veterinary, primatology, environmental, peaceful co-existence and lifestyle choices.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a United States 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 Born Free USA, 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 information, please visit localhost.

About Vervet Monkey Foundation
The Vervet Monkey Foundation is a non-profit organization (#020 694 NPO) established in 1993 after the first orphan Regus was found by Dave Du Toit in 1989. When Dave contacted the authorities upon finding Regus, he was told to kill it as they were vermin. This was the beginning of the plight of the vervets and the birth of the Vervet Monkey Foundation. The sanctuary is based in Tzaneen in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and rehabilitates and provides sanctuary to over 500 primates, orphaned, injured, abused, ex-laboratory or unwanted pets. In addition to this the VMF provides:

• A program to rehabilitate orphaned and injured primates.
• A program to research the claims of damage and problems caused by vervet monkeys and offer possible solutions to co-existence.
• An education program to inform the public of the role that the vervet monkey plays in the eco-system and how to prevent human – vervet
• A sanctuary for primates unfortunate enough to be unreleasable but still able to have a quality of life.
• An opportunity for volunteers to study the life style and environment of the vervet monkey primate
• A project for volunteers to become involved in the conservation and rehabilitation of this unique indigenous primate.
• Opportunities for volunteers, vet nurses, gap year students and those involved and interested in primate
• Promotion of a vegan lifestyle to help sustain the environment, prevent habitat loss, animal suffering and to make a contribution towards helping many of the world’s issues.

For more information, please visit www.vervet.za.org.

Download the free press release here.

(Woodbine, MD) The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Days End Farm Horse Rescue as of September 21, 2015.

Accreditation signifies that Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR) meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and has also demonstrated adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects. We are thrilled to announce this achievement by DEFHR.

“Days End Farm Horse Rescue is an exceptional organization committed to meeting the needs of at-risk horses most often seized by law enforcement from cruelty and neglect situations,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Senior Deputy Director. “Although their expertise and success in rehabilitating critically ill horses sets the highest standard of excellence for equine welfare organizations, their extensive community education programs are also essential to their mission of helping all horses. In a perfect world, there would be no need for equine rescues but until that time, we are fortunate to have dedicated and committed organizations such as Days End Farm Horse Rescue.”

Erin Ochoa, Executive Director for Days End Farm Horse Rescue responded, “We are pleased and honored to receive our accreditation through GFAS. Their recognition of our commitment to excellence and quality of care for our animals will help us continue our work in protecting horses and educating people. It is our hope that through education DEFHR can make strides in helping to improve the quality of life of horses throughout the world.”

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

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 Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. ww.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Days End Farm Horse Rescue

Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR) was established in 1989 as a non-profit animal welfare organization whose mission is to “ensure quality care and treatment of horses through intervention, education and outreach.” DEFHR exists through the support of many thousands of people – volunteers, donors, staff and friends. As a premier all-breed rescue in the state of Maryland, DEFHR provides many of its services locally, nationally and internationally. Since 1989, DEFHR has gone from a small non-profit sheltering a few horses to a full-scale, well-respected rescue and rehabilitation facility sheltering 110 to 150 horses annually. All horses come through animal protection authorities from across Maryland and surrounding states, and after their rehabilitation, the horses are evaluated and provided the training needed to best prepare them for adoption. DEFHR continues to be a leader and model in the field of equine rescue and rehabilitation, providing legal documentation for court cases, educational programs, community outreach and animal disaster recover. DEFHR is often recognized as a trailblazer in the industry with a 98% rehabilitation success rate, a 94% adoption rate and a 4-star rating for the past 10 consecutive years for sound fiscal management by Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity evaluator. For more information please visit www.defhr.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 full press release here.

(Sundre, AB, Canada) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries is honored to announce the award of Verified status to Bear Valley Rescue of Alberta, Canada as of September 15, 2015.

Verification means that Bear Valley Rescue meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary and 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 that are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles.

“GFAS has over 100 certified equine facilities throughout the United States. The addition of Bear Valley Rescue is extraordinary, as they are our first Canadian equine group that has achieved Verification,” states Kellie Heckman, GFAS Executive Director.

“Bear Valley Rescue provides an essential resource for hundreds of animals in need in the Canadian province of Alberta. There is no other registered charitable animal welfare or rescue group in this geographic area that assists as many horses and farmed animals, regardless of the individual animal’s current health, age or circumstances,” explained Daryl Tropea, GFAS Senior Deputy Director.

“Since 2003, Bear Valley Rescue has found new homes for over 600 horses and provides lifetime sanctuary for those animals difficult to place. The leadership and volunteers of this organization work closely with a number of provincial and private organizations to ensure as many animals in need as possible, have the opportunity for rehabilitation and re-homing.”

“We are honored to be included in the GFAS family, and we will strive to meet and exceed the GFAS standards every day,” said Kathy Bartley, President of Bear Valley Rescue. “Our goal has always been to do the best that is possible for the animals, and being verified by GFAS helps us to ensure we are doing just that.”

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

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 Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. localhost.

About Bear Valley Rescue, Alberta Canada
Bear Valley Rescue (CRA charity “861219970RR0001) takes in unwanted, abused or distressed horses and, occasionally, other farm animals. We rehabilitate and re-home those animals that can be re-homed and provide sanctuary for those that cannot. We educate the public on the plight of unwanted, abused and aged animals. We work with other animal rescue organizations as well, networking to provide homes for animals in distress.

The Rescue has had many visits from school classes and 4H groups, disabled adults groups, equestrians, and other community organizations. Bear Valley has formed partnerships with several trainers in our area, a collaboration that helps to re-home the horses in our care. We have worked with the veterinarians at the University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine faculty – they bring students to the Rescue to have hands-on experience working with a wide variety of horses. We work closely with our local veterinarian, who attends Bear Valley Rescue on a regular basis.

Bear Valley Rescue has worked with a number of provincial and private organizations and animal rescue groups, including LIS (Livestock Identification Services – brand inspectors), the RCMP, and the Alberta SPCA in animal seizure and rehabilitation situations, and EARS (Earthanimal Humane Education and Rescue Society) and the City of Canmore, taking in altered feral rabbits, and the Calgary Humane Society, taking in chickens, rabbits, even a goat, that have come into their care. We have networked with AARCS (Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society), Pound Rescue, Alberta Spay and Neuter Task Force, and MEOW Foundation in animal rescue and placement situations. For more information, visit www.bearvalleyab.org or call 403-637-2708.

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.

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September 14, 2015 (Saugerties, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, has awarded GFAS Accreditation to Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS) in Saugerties, New York as of September 10, 2015.

Accreditation signifies that Catskill Animal Sanctuary meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine and 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. The accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Catskill Animal Sanctuary as an exceptional sanctuary.

“Established in 2001, Catskill Animal Sanctuary provides a safe and nurturing haven nestled in the Hudson Valley for more than 300 farmed animals and horses including pigs, goats, sheep and chickens,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Senior Deputy. “Every animal has a story such as Joseph; a duck found living in a cage in New York City during a drug raid. Joseph now lives as a duck should, in a natural enclosure with several other ducks. Not only does CAS provide excellent care for these animals, but they also are leaders in raising awareness of farmed animal welfare issues. Their dedication to the welfare of all animals is undeniable.”

Kathy Stevens, the founder and director of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, is the author of two popular and critically acclaimed books about the work of CAS, Where the Blind Horse Sings and Animal Camp. She is a regular blogger on veganism and farmed animal issues for the Huffington Post and contributes to many books and articles. Kathy presents her message of “kindness to all” at conferences, colleges and community organizations. She lives on the grounds of CAS with Chumbley and Annie, two rescued dogs.

“We are thrilled with the news that GFAS has moved ahead with accrediting Catskill Animal Sanctuary!” said Kathy Stevens. “To have our property, practices, policies and procedures so thoroughly reviewed and given the thumbs-up by GFAS is not only an honor – it’s also a tribute to the scores of good people who work so tirelessly for our vision of a compassionate world for all beings.  Further, while we certainly don’t know all of the GFAS accredited sanctuaries, we do know a good number of them, and are delighted to be in such esteemed company.”

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 worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting sanctuaries 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. They represent top leadership from Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, American Anti-Vivisection Society, and National Anti-Vivisection Society. For additional information on GFAS, please visit localhost.

About Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Nonhuman animals have a right to live their lives free of suffering and exploitation by humans.  Catskill Animal Sanctuary exists to provide them with love and safety until they do.

The Sanctuary is a 110-acre refuge in New York’s Hudson Valley for twelve species of farmed animals rescued from cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. Over 3,500 animals have been rescued since its founding in 2001; between 250 and 350 reside with us at any given time.

We believe that looking an animal in the eye and seeing someone — not something — looking back is one of the most profound shifts human beings can make in their understanding of the world and their place in it. And so we welcome visitors through tours, overnight stays, events, and a children’s camp.

As the very best way to end animal suffering, improve our health, and heal our ailing planet, Catskill Animal Sanctuary advocates veganism and provides support and encouragement through our culinary program.

We’d love for you to visit us. Learn more at casanctuary.org/tours.

Download press release here.