Twenty-Five Leading Zoological Facilities Receive Coveted American Humane Conservation Certification for Humane Animal Care in Inaugural Year

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leading zoological institutions around the globe are flocking to achieve certification under the American Humane Conservation program, the world's first-ever certification program singularly dedicated to helping ensure the well-being and humane treatment of the millions of animals living in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers across the globe. American Humane, the country's first national humane organization and world's largest certifier of animal care, launched the program in June 2016. Within the program's inaugural year, twenty-five facilities within seventeen leading institutions in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe and Asia earned its Humane Certifiedtm seal for the treatment of their animals. Institutions certified under American Humane Conservation include:

• Brookfield Zoo; Brookfield, Illinois
• Ocean Park; Hong Kong, China
• Shedd Aquarium; Chicago, Illinois
• Vancouver Aquarium; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Georgia Aquarium; Atlanta, Georgia
• Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Dolphin Quest; Bermuda
• Dolphin Quest; Hawaii ? Big Island
• Dolphin Quest; Hawaii ? Oahu
• Mystic Aquarium; Mystic, Connecticut
• San Antonio Zoo; San Antonio, Texas
• Fort Worth Zoo; Fort Worth, Texas
• Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage; Las Vegas, Nevada
• Loro Parque; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
• Zoomarine Italia; Rome, Portugal
• Woodland Park Zoo; Seattle, Washington
• Tanganyika Wildlife Park; Goddard, Kansas

"American Humane Conservation launched in June 2016 as the first program of its kind ? the new gold standard for animals in zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. "Each of the twenty-five facilities certified by American Humane Conservation in its first year has proved its commitment to meeting the highest standards of humane, verifiable, and transparent animal care, and we are tremendously proud of their dedication to the care and preservation of world's majestic creatures."

The American Humane Conservation program enforces comprehensive, science-based standards developed by an unparalleled, independent Scientific Advisory Committee comprised of world-renowned leaders in the fields of animal science, animal behavior, animal ethics, and conservation. The program's rigorous criteria help exhaustively verify the many dimensions of animal well-being, 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, each institutions' compliance with the American Humane Conservation standards was verified through an exhaustive independent audit.

Since its launch, dozens of zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers across the world have lined up to undergo the program's rigorous audit. Many institutions are unable to achieve certification under American Humane Conservation due to the stringent standards on which the program is based.

"With fewer truly wild places left in the world, zoos and aquariums have become modern day arks of hope for many of the planet's critically endangered species," said Dr. Robin Ganzert. "American Humane Conservation's Humane Certifiedtm seal of approval helps verify for the public that the animals living in these institutions are living under high standards of verifiable humane care. We are proud to congratulate each of the twenty-five world-class facilities that have continuously proven their dedication to the responsible, humane treatment of the remarkable animals under their care."

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 and the largest certifier of animal welfare in the world. For more information about American Humane, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

SOURCE American Humane