Author: Robin Mason, GFAS

“Wolf Haven International truly maintains the welfare of the wolves as their greatest priority as demonstrated by their highly naturalized wolf habitats and their “hands-off” animal management practices”, says Kellie Heckman, Executive Director of GFAS

Tenino, WA – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is honored to announce that Wolf Haven International in Tenino, Washington has achieved GFAS Accreditation.

“It is heartwarming to see animals that were once neglected, abandoned or abused receiving the high quality, livelong care and respect they deserve at Wolf Haven International. Wolf Haven International truly maintains the welfare of the wolves as their greatest priority as demonstrated by their highly natural wolf habitats and their “hands-off” animal management practices”, says, Kellie Heckman, Executive Director of GFAS

Achieving GFAS Accreditation means Wolf Haven International meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the canids, meeting rigorous and peer-reviewed standards for operations, administration, and veterinary care established by GFAS, which is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. The accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Wolf Haven International as an exceptional sanctuary.

Wolf Haven International’s mission is working to conserve and protect wolves and their habitat. Founded in 1982 by Steve and Linda Kuntz, Wolf Haven has rescued and provided a safe haven for captive born, displaced wolves for more than three decades. Many of the wolves were originally privately owned, while others came from zoos, roadside attractions and other less than ideal situations. Some of the wolves may be viewed during guided sanctuary visits; however the majority reside outside of the public area and are seen only by animal care staff during routine care and feeding.

Wolf Haven follows a hands-off approach with their resident wolves, and does not force unnecessary human interaction upon them. Committed to providing the highest level of care for the wolves, Wolf Haven carefully examines every action or procedure to ensure that it best serves the animals living there. Diane Gallegos, executive director of Wolf Haven explains: “As a sanctuary, we provide a safe, lifetime home where the wolves are free to express themselves and be appreciated for who and what they are.”

The wolves receive exceptional care, quality food and progressive medical treatment. Wolf Haven’s guiding principle is to consider all aspects of each animal’s well-being and ensure that they are treated with compassion, respect and dignity from the day they arrive until their end of days.

Wolf Haven’s most recent rescue is Shali, an eight-year old female gray wolf from a zoo in Asheville, NC. She did not get along with two other wolves there and with limited options (many facilities are not interested in “middle-aged” wolves), Shali found refuge at Wolf Haven.

Wolf Haven offers a variety of educational programs, participates in two federally managed, multi-agency captive breeding programs for endangered wolves and advocates for wolves in the wild. Wolf Haven also received American Sanctuary Accreditation (ASA) in 2013, one of only two wolf sanctuaries in the country to earn this distinction.

For more information about GFAS, please visit localhost. For additional information about Wolf Haven International please visit www.wolfhaven.org.

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 Wolf Haven International

Wolf Haven International is a nonprofit wolf sanctuary and education center located in Tenino, WA. The mission of Wolf Haven is to conserve and protect wolves and their habitat. Since 1982, Wolf Haven has rescued and provided lifetime sanctuary to over 200 wolves. With the support of dedicated members and volunteers, Wolf Haven provides sanctuary for captive born, displaced wolves, offers educational programs on the value of all wildlife; promotes wolf restoration in historic ranges; and advocates the protection of our remaining wild wolves and their habitat. Over 12,000 visitors annually enjoy guided walking visits of the public portion of the wolf sanctuary. For more information about Wolf Haven and to schedule a sanctuary visit, go to wolfhaven.org.

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(Trabuco Canyon, CA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Hanaeleh as of June 1, 2015.

Verification means that Hanaeleh 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.

“Hanaeleh after the namesake location in the song ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’, provides a healing and safe environment for horses in need,” said Daryl Tropea, Senior Deputy Director of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. “This small but dedicated organization maximizes the use of limited land resources to provide optimal rehabilitation care to horses at risk. Attention is paid to every detail ensuring their resident horses get the mental, emotional and physical care they require to find new homes.”

“Hanaeleh is honored to be recognized as a verified member of GFAS. We are proud to be a part of a group of exceptional rescues and sanctuaries whose purpose is to help promote the welfare and education of animals.  Being a part of this elite group provides the individuals in our community the assurance that we provide excellent care for all of our animals and will continue to do so in the future,” said Elizabeth Zarkos, President of Hanaeleh. “We want to thank GFAS for all of its support to Hanaeleh and to other rescues and sanctuaries.  It is heartening to know that there are other such dedicated individuals who work tirelessly for all of the animals in 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. localhost.
About Hanaeleh

Hanaeleh rescues abused and abandoned horses throughout California and rehabilitates them so they are able to live healthy, productive lives.  We strive to both model and promote the most humane and ethical approaches to the care and training of horses.  Hanaeleh also actively works towards an end to horse slaughter in the United States as well as other equine-related issues. For more information, visit www.hanaeleh.org or call 949-842-7408.

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.

(Encinitas, CA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Saving Horses Inc. (SHI) as of March 15, 2015.

Verification means that Saving 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.

“Saving Horses Inc. is dedicated to providing both rescue and sanctuary for horses in need,” said Daryl Tropea, Senior Deputy Director of GFAS.  “When they are at maximum capacity, Saving Horses Inc. is committed to community safety net programs ensuring no horses are left behind without assistance.”  Tropea continued, “Since 2007, SHI has rescued over 100 horses and will soon be offering Equine Therapy programs.”

“It is such an honor and an important recognition to be verified by GFAS. They expect a high standard of operation and that’s the way it should be. More rescues should strive for this stamp of approval,” said Audrey Reynold, Executive Director, Saving Horses.

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 Saving Horses Inc.

Saving Horses Inc., is a 501c3 non-profit organization that actively rescues horses from slaughter, abuse, neglect and abandonment. SHI has rescued horses off slaughter-bound feedlots, at auction and from neglectful or other life threatening situations.

Saving Horses, Inc. was founded in 2007 by Audrey Reynolds.  SHI had become involved in the anti-slaughter campaign, and were introduced to the rescue world as a result of this. The number of horses rescued and in need of rescue was overwhelming, and we felt a need to jump in and help out. We soon learned that since the passing of Prop 6 in California in 1998 many horses from California still go to slaughter in Mexico or Canada. The law is not enforced. Consequently many horses showing up at auction in California are at risk of ending up at slaughter. SHI also offers an Equine assisted therapy program.  For more information, visit savinghorsesinc.com or call 619-247-7237.

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.

(Hohenwald, TN) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries –the only globally-recognized organization providing standards to identify legitimate animal sanctuaries– has awarded accredited status to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee as of Dec. 10, 2014.

As confirmed through an onsite visit by GFAS, this accreditation signifies The Elephant Sanctuary meets the Federation’s rigorous, peer-reviewed standards that define a true sanctuary providing humane and responsible care of animals, as well as standards around 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 Elephant Sanctuary as an outstanding sanctuary.

“It was a pleasure working with The Elephant Sanctuary and its staff during the accreditation process,” said Jackie Bennett, Deputy Director-Great Apes and Regional Accreditation. “The sanctuary has made great progress in recent years in the care of its resident elephants, giving attention to their individual health needs while allowing them to live in as natural an environment as possible. The Elephant Sanctuary has also demonstrated its commitment to a long term plan to ensure the continuing care of the elephants as well as the ability to offer sanctuary to more elephants in the years to come.”

The Elephant Sanctuary serves as a forever home for North America’s captive elephants once owners are prepared to retire them from life on exhibit or in performing. Since 1995, 24 elephants have been provided sanctuary overall; currently 13 are in residence (11 Asian and two African). Sanctuary staff is open to conversations with community stakeholders and legal guardians about options for long-term elephant care.

“The Elephant Sanctuary’s entire staff is deeply proud to be accredited by GFAS,” said CEO Janice Zeitlin. “It’s an accomplishment that reinforces the effort our team has put into sustaining our forward momentum: ensuring optimal veterinary and husbandry care of the resident elephants, expanding public education around the extensive needs of both captive and wild elephants, and facilitating operational accountability. We are eager to welcome additional elephants to Sanctuary.”

The Elephant Sanctuary aims to meet the needs of this intelligent, social species by affording them: vast spaces to roam, forage, and splash; socialization within a herd of their own kind; and elephant-care that relies on non-dominant, positive-reinforcement training in a protected-contact setting. In North America, there are approximately 450 elephants living in captivity.

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.

About The Elephant Sanctuary

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (www.elephants.com), celebrating 20 years in 2015, is America’s largest natural-habitat refuge for endangered African and Asian elephants. It operates on 2700 acres in Hohenwald, Tenn. (85 miles southwest of Nashville), providing captive elephants with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their wellbeing. The non-profit also works to raise public awareness of the complex needs of elephants in captivity, and the crisis facing elephants in the wild.

Download press release here.

Kailua-Kona, HI – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, is pleased to announce that Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary (TRR), a charter accredited sanctuary of GFAS and formerly accredited by The Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS), has achieved full GFAS Accreditation as of December 10, 2014.

The accreditation signifies that Three Ring Ranch meets GFAS’ rigorous and peer-reviewed standards, as confirmed by site visits, for the definition of a true sanctuary and humane and responsible care of animals, as well as standards addressing organizational sustainability, finances, staffing, safety and security, veterinary care, and other operational aspects. The accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Three Ring Ranch as an exceptional sanctuary.

“Three Ring Ranch continues to demonstrate their commitment and dedication to helping Hawaii’s wildlife as well as educating the public about Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem.  This organization places great emphasis on educating children about various species and the need for conservation and preservation in the wild,” said Daryl Tropea, Senior Deputy Director of GFAS.

“Re-accreditation by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries validates the years of hard work and shows our commitment to excellence in animal care. On a daily basis we strive to provide optimal care to each of our resident animals. In addition we are passionate about educating our community and visitors about these residents and how exotic animals are not pets to be kept caged. What a dream it would be to someday have no need for facilities such as Three Ring Ranch, “declared Ann Goody PhD, Executive Director of Three Ring Ranch.

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 worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting sanctuaries/rescues 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, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society.  For more information, visit localhost.

About Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary

The Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Kailua-Kona is the only exotic animal sanctuary in Hawaii. Founded in 1998 it is home to over 150 animal residents. Many of the residents have come to 3RR after being abused or neglected. At 3RR they are allowed to live out their lives in large natural habitats free from cruelty. A dedicated team of volunteers staff the facility 365 days a year. The Sanctuary offers a wide variety of educational programs by appointment. Their award winning web site www.threeringranch.org  shares the history of the facility as well as the residents who live there. Follow them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ThreeRingRanch

Download press release here.

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Kentucky Equine Humane Center as of October 2, 2014.

Verification means that Kentucky Equine Humane Center 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.

“Located on 72 acres of rolling Kentucky grasslands, KyEHC provides one of the few all-breed equine rescues in this area known for its Thoroughbred racing industry,” said Daryl Tropea, GFAS Senior Deputy Director. “Regardless of breed, KyEHC gives horses that are surrendered by owners or animal law enforcement the chance to find a new home and a new beginning. The hallmark of this organization is its rehabilitation and training program. Because often, so little is known about the history of these horses, each horse receives a comprehensive evaluation to determine their strengths, skills and preferences.  This individualized training program is the key to KyEHC’s highly successful adoption program.”

“The Kentucky Equine Humane Center is thrilled to be verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, an international organization that promotes standards of excellence in the humane treatment and care of animals,” stated KyEHC Executive Director, Karen Gustin. “We have found that while we are helping horses first, we are often helping people as well who are going through difficult transitions in their lives. Consider the case, for example, of Storm Siren, above, a young Thoroughbred whose owner was no longer able to financially care for her.  Storm Siren came to the Center with a very difficult laceration on her hind leg which took months and months to treat.  She is now healed and ready for adoption.”

Tropea added, “We are always encouraged by organizations that complete the verification process but express interest in becoming Accredited. We look forward to receiving KyEHC’ s application for accreditation in the near future.”

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 Kentucky Equine Humane Center
The Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC) is an all breed horse rescue that provides humane treatment and shelter for Kentucky’s unwanted equines.  The ultimate goal for each horse is to place it in an adoptive home, and the focus is on putting the right horse with the right person or family. The KyEHC also educates the public and raises awareness for responsible equine ownership so that fewer horses end up in crisis.  Lastly, the KyEHC serves as a model for organizations with the same mission in other states: to save America’s equines from inhumane treatment. For more information, visit www.kyehc.org or call 859-881-5849.

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.