Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

Category: Events

  • Sanctuary Award Week 2023

    Sanctuary Award Week 2023

    Sanctuary Award Week 2023:
    A Week of Webinars to Celebrate the Carole Noon and Outstanding Sanctuary Award Winners

    To celebrate the Carole Noon and Outstanding Sanctuary Award Winners, we have put together several great presentations for the week of the virtual ceremony.  Below, you will find information on each of the upcoming presentations, as well as links to register to attend. We will be recording each webinar if there are some you are not able to attend. All webinars take place at 11:00 a.m. pacific/2:00 p.m. eastern on the dates listed.

    Monday, October 23
    Building a Donation Driven Website, presented by Dave Graham, Sanctuary Websites
    View a description of this webinar and register

    Tuesday, October 24
    Introduction to Animal-Centered Design, presented by Lenore Braford and Paul Drake, Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge
    View a description of this webinar and register

    Thursday, October 26, 2023
    How Do Sanctuaries Create Change?, presented by Jackie Bennett, GFAS
    View a description of this webinar and register

    Friday, October 27
    Carole Noon and Outstanding Sanctuary Awards Virtual Ceremony
    Register to attend

  • The Goat Games 2021: Farmed Animal Sanctuaries Across the Nation Unite to Raise Funds and Awareness

    Co-hosted by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, The Goat Games will rally the support of animal welfare champions across the U.S.

    SAUGERTIES, N.Y. July 9, 2021 – Ready. Set. Goat! Catskill Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit, 155-acre farm animal refuge in New York’s Hudson Valley, is hosting the second annual Goat Games from August 14 through August 21, 2021. The Goat Games, which will rally the support of farmed animal sanctuaries across the U.S., are co-hosted with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the certifying body for sanctuaries. Each participating sanctuary is GFAS Certified.

    The Goat Games is a virtual event that challenges human participants to run, walk, bike, hike, or create an activity of their choosing–even binge-watching is a win–to raise funds for a participating sanctuary. A goat champion has been designated for each of the ten sanctuaries, and “athletes” will rally behind the goat representing the sanctuary they want to support. Catskill Animal Sanctuary is represented by Chester, an energetic adolescent rescued from a local “humane” farm that was forced to close its doors.

    “We came up with the idea of The Goat Games in 2020 as a way to inspire friendly competition, raise critical funds and instill hope in people who support our urgent work,” said Kathy Stevens, founder and executive director of Catskill Animal Sanctuary. “The Games are a fun, interactive experience for people of any age and ability located anywhere in the world, and the collective voice of ten sanctuaries will speak loudly for farmed animals everywhere. Funds raised through donations and sponsorships will support the life-saving mission of each participating sanctuary.”

    When the 2020 Tokyo games were canceled, Catskill Animal Sanctuary set out to create a friendly virtual competition people could get excited about in the midst of a global pandemic and one that also supported an important cause – The Goat Games 2020. Last year, Catskill Animal Sanctuary raised $42,601 through the support of 73 athletes and 532 donors. This year, The Goat Games 2021 present an incredible opportunity to support sanctuaries all across the U.S. that provide a safe haven for farmed animals who’ve been abused, abandoned, or worse.

    “GFAS is thrilled to co-present Goat Games 2021 – a first-of-its-kind event benefitting an alliance of certified farmed animal sanctuaries,” said Jessica Harris, farmed animals program director. “We are dedicated to supporting our members, building collaboration and promoting the sanctuary movement on a global level. This inaugural event showcases the leadership and excellence our members are known for and is just one more way we can help sanctuaries help animals.”

    Goat Games Co-Host Team Catskill Animal Sanctuary is joined by:

    • Team Barn Sanctuary, MI
    • Team Farmaste Animal Sanctuary, MN
    • Team Heartwood Haven, WA
    • Team Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, PA
    • Team Kindred Spirits Sanctuary, FL
    • Team Little Bear Sanctuary, FL
    • Team Pasado’s Safe Haven, WA
    • Team Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge, NC
    • Team Wildwood Farm Sanctuary & Preserve, OR

    For more information on The Goat Games 2021 including registering and/or making a donation, visit thegoatgames.org.

    ABOUT CATSKILL ANIMAL SANCTUARY

    Founded in 2001, Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit, 155-acre refuge in New York’s Hudson Valley. It is home to eleven species of rescued farmed animals with between 275 and 400 residents at any given time. In addition to direct animal aid, the Sanctuary offers on-site tours, a weekly podcast, vegan cooking lessons, and educational programs that advocate veganism as the very best way to end animal suffering, improve human health, and heal an ailing planet.

    Catskill Animal Sanctuary is the only U.S. farmed animal sanctuary with highest honors from the following:

    For more information, call (845) 336-8447 or go to www.casanctuary.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 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.

    Download the press release here.

  • Photo contest to celebrate International Tiger Day

    Tigers in America and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries are pleased to announce our annual photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day, July 29, 2021.

    The contest provides a platform for visual storytellers to highlight the plight of tigers living in captivity in the United States and promote the rescue of tigers to the protected safety of a true sanctuary.  The contest, which aims to identify the best photo or video of a tiger in the U.S., based on overall beauty, power, photographic skill, creativity, and how well it represents the tiger, is open to all entrants.

    The contest runs until July 26, 2021, with winners announced on July 29, 2021.  Prizes include $1,000 for the winning submission and $100 each for 10 runners-up.  Winning submissions will also be posted on the Tigers in America and GFAS websites and social media.

    For more information on the contest, including instructions on how to apply and an entry form, please click here.

    About Tigers in America
    Tigers in America is an all-volunteer rescue organization. Since their inception in 2011 they have rescued and relocated more than 300 tigers and other big cats to accredited sanctuaries in this country.  Learn more at https://www.tigersinamerica.org/

  • Recipients of the 2020 Carole Noon and Outstanding Sanctuary Awards Announced

    Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries honors sanctuaries, rescue, rehabilitation, and transition centers for exceptional animal care, professionalism and ethics.

    October 23, 2020 – (Washington, DC) The Board of Directors of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) today announced the recipient of the 2020 Carole Noon Award: Kathy Stevens, Founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary in New York state. The Carole Noon Award is named after the late Dr. Carole Noon, a courageous and innovative sanctuary pioneer and champion of chimpanzees.

    New, for 2020, the GFAS Board of Directors presented the First Annual Outstanding Sanctuary Awards to recognize excellence in humane and responsible animal care; professionalism and ethics; organizational sustainability; public engagement; and contributions to, and leadership within, the sanctuary field. Recipients included Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, Texas; Happy Trails Farmed Animal Sanctuary, Ohio; In-Sync Exotics, Texas; and Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa.

    “This year’s award recipients truly embody and put into practice the GFAS philosophy of vision, dedication, and excellence in animal care,” noted Valerie Taylor, Executive Director of GFAS. “Part of the GFAS mission is to enhance recognition of the work being done by sanctuaries, and the 2020 Award recipients are certainly shining stars in the field, demonstrating determination, innovation, and fortitude during challenging times, all for the animals – qualities esteemed by GFAS and the late Dr. Noon.”

    Editor’s Notes:

    GFAS is a global leader in accreditation programs for animal sanctuaries, assessing facilities against a robust set of operational and animal care standards, including species-specific standards for elephants, great apes, big cats, horses, farm animals, and others. More information about GFAS at www.sanctuaryfederation.org and a list of previous awardees at https://staging.sanctuaryfederation.org/about-gfas/carole-noon-award/

    Catskill Animal Sanctuary is a 150-acre refuge in New York’s Hudson Valley for 11 species of farmed animals rescued from cruelty, neglect and abandonment. Each year, thousands of visitors come to meet the animals and learn about the impact of their diet on animals, their health, and our ailing planet. The sanctuary offers support through a New Leaf Vegan Mentor Program, vegan culinary classes, Compassionate Cuisine cookbook and online recipes, customized Sanctuary tours, engaging educational programs for kids, and inspirational writing and speaking of founder, Kathy.  For more information, visit https://casanctuary.org/

    Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue works directly with federal, state and local agencies to provide rescue services to abused, neglected, abandoned and wild donkeys. The rescue manages one of the largest privately held herd of donkeys in the world on its main rehabilitation facility in San Angelo Texas, it’s sanctuaries in East Texas and its satellite locations distributed across the U.S. For more information, visit www.donkeyrescue.org

    Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, founded in 2001 and located in Ravenna, OH, rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes criminally abused, neglected and abandoned farm animals. With a culture of inclusion, diverse expertise and a spirit of try, the sanctuary has rescued over 715 animals assisting 29 counties in Ohio and across 8 states in the last five years. More than 595 animals have been successfully placed into loving homes. Learn more at http://www.happytrailsfarm.org/

    In-Sync Exotics is dedicated to the rescue of neglected, abused and unwanted exotic felines. It is the sanctuary’s dream that one day there will be no need for rescue facilities, but until that day happens, we will continue to educate the public on the unique attributes and characteristics of our residents; the realities of irresponsible and/or illegal exotic wild animal ownership and captive breeding; and the need for stronger and enforceable legislation against those who abuse exotic wild animals.  For more information, visit https://www.insyncexotics.org/

    Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the U.S. that operates the world’s only sanctuary for Critically Endangered Grauer’s gorillas in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. GRACE cares for orphaned gorillas rescued from poachers and works to rehabilitate them so they can one day return to the wild. GRACE also leads field research and partners with local communities on education and conservation initiatives. For more information, visit https://gracegorillas.org/

    View a recording of the Virtual Award Ceremony here.

  • Photo contest to celebrate International Tiger Day

    Photo contest to celebrate International Tiger Day

    July 1, 2020

    Tigers in America and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries are pleased to announce a photo and video contest to celebrate International Tiger Day, July 29, 2020.

    The contest provides a platform for visual storytellers to highlight the plight of tigers living in captivity in the United States and promote the rescue of tigers to the protected safety of a true sanctuary.  The contest, which aims to identify the best photo or video of a tiger in the U.S., based on overall beauty, power, photographic skill, creativity, and how well it represents the tiger, is open to all entrants with special consideration given to entries from college students enrolled in “tiger mascot schools”.

    The contest runs until July 24, 2020, with winners announced on July 29, 2020.  Prizes include $1,000 for the winning submission and $100 each for 10 runners-up.  Winning submissions will also be posted on the Tigers in America and GFAS websites and social media.

    For more information on the contest, including instructions on how to apply and an entry form, please click here.

    About Tigers in America

    Tigers in America is an all-volunteer rescue organization. Since their inception in 2011 they have rescued and relocated more than 300 tigers and other big cats to accredited sanctuaries in this country.  Learn more at https://www.tigersinamerica.org/

  • Fourth Annual Sanctuary Caregiver Day on June 12, 2020

    Fourth Annual Sanctuary Caregiver Day on June 12, 2020

    GFAS and NAPSA (North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance) are partnering again to celebrate our fourth annual Animal Sanctuary Caregiver Day on Friday, June 12th! GFAS and NAPSA established this event in 2017 to recognize and highlight the important work of animal caregivers – the caring and compassionate heroes – of animal sanctuaries, rescue centers, and wildlife rehabilitation centers worldwide.

    Throughout this week, we’ll be posting announcements on Instagram and Facebook and sharing suggestions to honor animal caregivers. Click here for a link to our list of 25 ways to celebrate.

  • Founder of Big Cat Rescue Recipient of Global Award for Sanctuary Excellence

    Founder of Big Cat Rescue Recipient of Global Award for Sanctuary Excellence

    Carole Baskin of GFAS-accredited Big Cat Rescue is the eleventh recipient of the Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence given annually by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

    October 22 – Washington, DC – The 2019 Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence recipient was announced by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). This year Carole Baskin of GFAS-accredited Big Cat Rescue, one of the largest accredited sanctuaries in the world dedicated to abused and abandoned big cats, was singled out for her visionary leadership and advocacy efforts to end the private possession and trade in exotic cats through legislation and education.

    The Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence is given annually to a sanctuary or individual who embodies and puts into practice the GFAS philosophy of vision, dedication and excellence in animal care. It memorializes Carole Noon, founder of Save the Chimps in Fort Pierce, Florida, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary.

    “Carole is a stand out as a role model and mentor,” says Valerie Taylor, GFAS executive director. “She prioritizes the welfare of the animals in her care and generously shares her knowledge with others. Carole is also passionate about creating exciting new ways to educate the public, and inspires everyone to use their voice to end the captive trade in big cats.”

    The sanctuary was founded in 1992 when Carole rescued a bobcat named Windsong. Big Cat Rescue is now home to 60+ lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and other species most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts.

    Baskin shared her thoughts about the achievement, saying, “I believe GFAS plays a critical role in helping the public identify true sanctuaries versus those who mislead the public and helping sanctuaries be the best that they can be. I am thrilled and honored to be a recipient of this prestigious award named after someone I and everyone else in this field have admired and who set such high standards for both animal care and advocacy on behalf of captive 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. 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, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries.

    About Big Cat Rescue:

    Big Cat Rescue is one of the largest accredited sanctuaries in the world dedicated to rescuing and providing a permanent home for abused and abandoned exotic cats. Located in Tampa, Fla., the sanctuary is home to approximately 60 exotic cats, most of whom were relinquished by owners who mistakenly thought they made good pets, saved from becoming fur coats, seized by authorities, or retired from performing acts. The sanctuary’s dual mission is to provide the best possible home for the cats in our care and to educate the public about the plight of big cats in captivity and in the wild. www.BigCatRescue.org

  • Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Presents Sixth Annual Giving Day for Apes October 15, 2019

    Annual Day of Giving Will Benefit Thirty-Three Ape Sanctuaries and Rescue Centers in Africa, Asia, and North America

    October 11, 2019 (Washington DC) – Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) presents this year’s Giving Day for Apes on October 15, 2019. The event is a global day of giving that supports ape sanctuaries and rescue centers throughout Asia, Africa, and North America.

    This year, 33 sanctuaries and rescue centers are participating, including 11 from North America, 15 from Africa, and 7 from Asia. Collectively, these organizations care for hundreds of chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, and gibbons. Some apes are given permanent sanctuary care, while others in range countries in Africa and Asia undergo years of rehabilitative care to prepare for return to the wild.

    “We are thrilled to give these organizations an opportunity to tell the public about their work and get much needed support,” said Jackie Bennett, Program Director for Africa and Asia. “Some are sanctuaries caring for chimps retired from U.S. research labs; some are protecting orphaned apes in Africa that are victims of the bushmeat trade; some are rehabilitating orangutans and gibbons in Indonesia to return them to forest life. All are doing important work to save these endangered species.”

    In addition to seeking donations, participating organizations have a chance to win some of the $50,000 in prize funds, made possible by event sponsors Arcus Foundation and American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS). Sue Leary, President of AAVS and a long-standing GFAS Board member, explained that “Sanctuaries are performing miracles every day, helping our closest animal cousins start new lives after their troubled past experiences. Now it’s up to us to make sure that every one is safe and sound.”  She continued that “AAVS has committed to doing that, and on Giving Day for Apes, we are inspired by all the people who come together to channel their compassion. Together, we will ensure that sanctuaries have what they need to provide the best care possible for animals who deserve it.”

    Learn more about Giving Day for Apes at givingdayforapes.org. Donations to any of the 33 participants can be made now, and at midnight EDT on October 15, the event will go “live” with leaderboards displayed for each continent.

    About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

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

    Download press release here.

  • Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance Announce Third Annual Animal Sanctuary Caregiver Day June 14, 2019

    Animal Sanctuary Caregiver Day was founded in 2017 to recognize the important work of animal caregivers, the unsung heroes of animal sanctuaries and rescue centers worldwide.

    (May 14, 2019) The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA) announce the third annual Animal Sanctuary Caregiver Day, to be observed on June 14, 2019. GFAS and NAPSA established the day in 2017 to recognize and highlight the important work of animal caregivers – the caring and compassionate heroes – in animal sanctuaries, rescue centers, and wildlife rehabilitation centers worldwide.

    “The lifesaving work of sanctuaries would never be possible without their amazing caregivers. NAPSA is happy to celebrate their contributions and dedication on this special day,” said Erika Fleury, NAPSA’s Program Director.

    Sanctuaries, rescues and wildlife centers all over the world use their social media to celebrate the day and thank their hard working staff and volunteers. To share and celebrate to wonderful work of all caregivers, sanctuaries are again encouraged to recognize the day and tag their social media announcements with the hashtag #SanctuaryCaregiverDay. GFAS and NAPSA support many ways to observe the day including celebrating caregivers with recognition and rewards, appreciation parties, sponsoring rescued animals in caregivers’ names and sharing information about caregivers on an organization’s Instragram, Facebook page and other social media so that supporters can share in the celebrations.

    “GFAS is excited to honor the service and compassion of the animal caregivers in our partner sanctuaries, rescues and rehabilitation centers who are providing the highest standard of humane care to all species around the world,” said Lisa Avery, GFAS Executive Director. “We appreciate the wonderful work they do, every day, on behalf of the animals in their care.”

    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. 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. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

    About North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance:

    The North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA) was founded in 2010 and is a coalition of nine of the leading primate sanctuaries on the continent who care for over 800 nonhuman primates rescued and retired from laboratory research, the entertainment industry, and private ownership. The alliance’s mission is to advance and advocate for the welfare of captive primates and it encourages collaboration amongst all those who care for captive primates. NAPSA speaks with one unified, powerful voice on behalf of all of North America’s primate population. www.primatesanctuaries.org

    Download the press release here.