Tanganyika Wildlife Park Achieves Humane Certification for Animal Welfare

GODDARD, Kan., Aug. 31, 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 Tanganyika Wildlife Park has achieved certification through the global American Humane Conservation program. Tanganyika Wildlife Park passed a rigorous third-party audit to become the tenth institution in the United States to earn the prestigious Humane Certifiedtm seal of approval.

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

"American Humane is proud to recognize Tanganyika Wildlife Park with its prestigious Humane Certifiedtm seal of approval," said American Humane President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert. "This elite distinction demonstrates to the public Tanganyika Wildlife Park's commitment to providing the animals under its care with the highest standards of humane, verifiable and transparent animal care."

"We are honored to receive this prestigious certification from an organization that has been dedicated to animal welfare for over 140 years, and proud to be only the tenth facility in the US to receive certification; placing us among the very best zoos in the country," said Jim Fouts, Owner and Director of Tanganyika Wildlife Park. "This independent audit and certification validates the passion and hard work put forth by our at team Tanganyika who work tirelessly to provide the highest level of care possible for the welfare of our animals."

The American Humane Conservation program's extensive criteria exhaustively verify the many dimensions of animal welfare and well-being, with areas of evaluation including: excellent health and housing; positive social interactions within groups of animals, as well as between animals and handlers; safe and stimulating environments, 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, Tanganyika Wildlife Park's compliance with the American Humane Conservation standards was verified through an independent 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 Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Tanganyika Wildlife Park is accredited by the Zoological Association of America, and began operating in 1986, opening to the public in 2008. Located on the west edge of Wichita, Kansas, Tanganyika's primary goal is sharing their passion for animals. The Park contains some of the most rare and endangered species in the world, and gives guests unique ways to learn and interact with some of these species, in order to encourage stewardship and education. The Park is dedicated to helping visitors improve their connection with the wonders of the animal world and to be one of the premier facilities for breeding endangered species. Learn more at www.twpark.com.

SOURCE American Humane