Woodland Park Zoo Achieves Humane Certification for Animal Welfare

SEATTLE, June 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, American Humane, the country's first national humane organization and the world's largest certifier of animal welfare and well-being, announced that Woodland Park Zoo achieved certification by the American Humane Conservation program, becoming the tenth Humane Certifiedtm institution in the United States.

The American Humane Conservation program is the first-ever certification program singularly dedicated to helping ensure the well-being and humane treatment of animals living in zoos and aquariums across the world. The program enforces comprehensive, evidence-based welfare standards developed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee comprised of world-renowned leaders in the fields of animal science, animal behavior, animal ethics, and conservation.

"We are thrilled to announce the certification under American Humane Conservation of Woodland Park Zoo, a world-class institution dedicated to the responsible, humane treatment of the remarkable animals in its care," said American Humane President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert. "Woodland Park Zoo's commitment to meeting the highest standards of humane, verifiable, and transparent animal care is a distinction of which we should all be proud."

"Strengthening humanity's bonds with other species and caring for our planet start with the best care for our zoo's animals. Animal wellness is not only our responsibility?it is our passion," said Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO Alejandro Grajal, PhD. "We are honored to achieve this seal of approval because we share American Humane's unwavering commitment to animal welfare as our highest priority."

The American Humane Conservation program's rigorous criteria help exhaustively verify the many dimensions of animal wellbeing, with areas of assessment including: excellent health and housing; positive social interactions within groups of animals, as well as between animals and handlers; safe and stimulating environments, enriched and with concern for factors such as appropriate lighting, sound levels, air quality, and thermoregulation; and evidence of thorough preparation and protocols established to prevent and manage medical or operational emergencies.

For added rigor, Woodland Park Zoo's compliance with the American Humane Conservation standards was verified through an exhaustive audit.

You can read more about the American Humane Conservation program here: http://humaneconservation.org/.

About American Humane
Founded in 1877, American Humane is the country's first national humane organization. For more information about American Humane, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

About Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo saves animals and their habitats through conservation leadership and engaging experiences, inspiring people to learn, care and act. Founded in 1899, Woodland Park Zoo has sparked delight, discovery and unforgettable memories for generations of Northwest families. People who experience the wonders of the natural world are inspired to protect it. That's why every year Woodland Park Zoo leads more than 1 million people on a journey that inspires a lifelong love of animals, makes science come alive, and gives people the tools to take conservation action. Learn more at www.zoo.org.

SOURCE American Humane