Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Presents Sixth Annual Giving Day for Apes October 15, 2019

Annual Day of Giving Will Benefit Thirty-Three Ape Sanctuaries and Rescue Centers in Africa, Asia, and North America

October 11, 2019 (Washington DC) – Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) presents this year’s Giving Day for Apes on October 15, 2019. The event is a global day of giving that supports ape sanctuaries and rescue centers throughout Asia, Africa, and North America.

This year, 33 sanctuaries and rescue centers are participating, including 11 from North America, 15 from Africa, and 7 from Asia. Collectively, these organizations care for hundreds of chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, and gibbons. Some apes are given permanent sanctuary care, while others in range countries in Africa and Asia undergo years of rehabilitative care to prepare for return to the wild.

“We are thrilled to give these organizations an opportunity to tell the public about their work and get much needed support,” said Jackie Bennett, Program Director for Africa and Asia. “Some are sanctuaries caring for chimps retired from U.S. research labs; some are protecting orphaned apes in Africa that are victims of the bushmeat trade; some are rehabilitating orangutans and gibbons in Indonesia to return them to forest life. All are doing important work to save these endangered species.”

In addition to seeking donations, participating organizations have a chance to win some of the $50,000 in prize funds, made possible by event sponsors Arcus Foundation and American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS). Sue Leary, President of AAVS and a long-standing GFAS Board member, explained that “Sanctuaries are performing miracles every day, helping our closest animal cousins start new lives after their troubled past experiences. Now it’s up to us to make sure that every one is safe and sound.”  She continued that “AAVS has committed to doing that, and on Giving Day for Apes, we are inspired by all the people who come together to channel their compassion. Together, we will ensure that sanctuaries have what they need to provide the best care possible for animals who deserve it.”

Learn more about Giving Day for Apes at givingdayforapes.org. Donations to any of the 33 participants can be made now, and at midnight EDT on October 15, the event will go “live” with leaderboards displayed for each continent.

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. For more about GFAS, visit: www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

Download press release here.