Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas is Verified by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

(Eureka Springs, AR) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, on October 16,  2014.

Verification means that TCWR meets the criteria of a true wildlife 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.

“Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge provides much–needed, permanent sanctuary and long-term care to exotic animals who have nowhere else to go,” said Jackie Beckstead, GFAS Director of Accreditation and Field Operations.  “The organization has demonstrated a commitment to upgrading both its standards for animal care and the details of its organizational integrity.”

“Providing our resident exotic animals with the best care possible is our number one priority,” explained Tanya Smith, President of TCWR.  She continued, “We value GFAS Verification, as it communicates to the community that we are providing our animals with everything they need for long happy lives, and to our donors that we closely adhere to the values of accountability and transparency. We are grateful to the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and proud to have received GFAS Verification.”

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 Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge provides high-quality care to big cats and bears, most of whom were taken in from exotic pet owners across the nation who were ill-equipped to care for these animals.  The organization’s facility is open to the public, and it works hard to promote the message that wild animals should not be kept as pets.  For more information, please visit www.turpentinecreek.org and www.facebook.com/turpentinecreekrefuge.

Download the press release here.