Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

January 4, 2019, (Washington DC) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accredited status to Black Pine Animal Sanctuary as of January 2, 2019.

Achieving GFAS Accreditation means that Black Pine Animal Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Accreditation status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards and also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The accreditation status provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Black Pine as an exceptional sanctuary.

Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, located near Fort Wayne, Indiana, was founded as a private facility in the late 1980’s and transitioned to a non-profit rescue organization in 2000. The relocation to a new, undeveloped 18-acre site in 2006 was followed by a decade of growth and expansion. Today, the sanctuary provides refuge to 90 displaced, captive-raised wildcats, wild canines, perching birds, non-human primates, non-venomous reptiles, and other exotic mammals “for the rest of their lives”. Over 250 animals have been provided refuge to date. Black Pine is funded entirely by donations and in-kind gifts, educational programs, special events, and a gift shop, the Wolf Den Gifts & Things, located on site. Fundraising is currently underway to complete upgrades to existing vacant habitats in preparation of providing refuge to more large mammals, and to construct a new desert tortoise habitat in 2019 as part of a project to improve accommodations for reptiles.

“GFAS Accreditation has been a top strategic and personal goal that I and our team have embraced,” said Lori Gagen, executive director of Black Pine. “There is no greater gift we can give to the animals who count on us, or to those who invest in their care and welfare, than to strive to be the best we can possibly be – now and long-term. We greatly appreciate the oversight, support, and high expectations GFAS presents us and how they can serve as a guideline for the public as they strive to make responsible choices.”

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 The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org. 

About Black Pine Animal Sanctuary

Incorporated as Professional Animal Retirement Center (PARC) Inc., Black Pine Animal Sanctuary (BPAS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides refuge to displaced, captive-raised exotic animals for the rest of their lives and educates people about responsible animal care and conservation. In addition to providing a high quality of responsible care to animals in need, Black Pine’s on-site educational programs, community outreach, and advocacy initiatives are aimed at providing the public with the resources and information necessary to choose responsibly and to avoid situations that exploit animals, or place animals or public safety at risk. The sanctuary is led by a volunteer board of directors and operated by a small paid staff supported by volunteer and internship program participants who contribute over 15,000 hours in service to the mission annually. Black Pine is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity and has earned a Gold Seal of Transparency from Guidestar.org. For more information, visit www.bpsanctuary.org.

Download press release here.