Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary Earns Accreditation from Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

“Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary truly maintains the welfare of their residents as their highest priority as demonstrated by their large natural habitats and excellent environmental enrichment”, says, Jeanne Marie Pittman, GFAS Director of Accreditation for the Americas.

Imlay, NV – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is honored to announce that Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary, in Imlay, NV has achieved GFAS Accreditation.

“It is heartwarming to see animals that are unable to be placed back into the wild receiving the high quality, life-long care and respect they deserve at Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary. Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary truly maintains the welfare of their residents as their highest priority as demonstrated by their large natural habitats and excellent environmental enrichment”, says, Jeanne Marie Pittman, GFAS Director of Accreditation for the Americas. Achieving GFAS Accreditation means Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and as such provides humane and responsible care for the animals and meets the rigorous standards for operations, administration, and veterinary care established by GFAS. GFAS is the only globally recognized organization that provides a method for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, rescues and rehabilitation centers. The accreditation status provides a clear and trusted means for public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary as an exceptional sanctuary.

“Going through the certification process with GFAS has helped our organization by further pursuing excellence in providing best care practices”.  As the only GFAS Accredited Sanctuary in Nevada, we are excited to bring attention to the distinctions between pseudo-sanctuaries and those that have worked toward providing optimal care for its residents” says Lynda Sugasa, the sanctuary’s Executive Director.

Safe Haven is dedicated to protecting indigenous wildlife and native habitat and to educating the public about environmental and wild animal conservation. In addition to their rescue and rehabilitative mission, Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary demonstrates their good neighbor and community engagement commitments by:

• Augmenting and enhancing education for rural elementary and secondary school campuses in northern Nevada through our educational outreach. Local schools with limited funds for curriculum enhancement appreciate Safe Haven’s “Animal Chronicles Project”.  Kids love hearing about Safe Haven residents and they become natural advocates regarding the need to protect wild animals and their habitats. Since inception, Safe Haven’s educational outreached has reached over 20,000 children and adults.
• Developing kids’ capacity to become animal ambassadors. Safe Haven reaches children and youth with positive messages about Safe Haven residents, their native habitat, and their role in overall ecosystems.  Safe Haven’s educational programs are tailored to specific child and youth developmental levels in order to meet them “where they are at” in their capacity to engage, comprehend, and increase their empathic understanding.
• Modelling renewable energy practices. Safe Haven operates as a solar-powered “green” facility, demonstrating innovative energy use approaches. Neighboring communities, kids participating in our educational outreach, and visitors to Safe Haven learn about “green” organizations that are designed to have minimal impact on the environment.

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 Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary
Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary, a 501c3 non-profit organization, was founded in 2006 in northern Nevada with a mission to provide interim care to native orphaned and injured wildlife eligible for reintroduction and lifelong care to abandoned, surrendered and confiscated exotics resulting from the pet trade.www.safehavenwildlife.com.

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