Global Sanctuary for Elephants First in South America to be Accredited by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

July 31, 2020 (Chapada dos Guimaraes, Brazil) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, has awarded Accredited status to Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE) (Elephant Sanctuary Brazil) in Chapada dos Guimaraes, Brazil as of July 22, 2020.

Accreditation signifies that Global Sanctuary for Elephants meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards, as well as adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education and outreach, security and safety, and other operational aspects. This accredited status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors and grantors to recognize Global Sanctuary for Elephants as an exceptional organization.

“We are thrilled to announce the accreditation of Global Sanctuary for Elephants,” said Kristin Leppert, GFAS Program Director – the Americas. “Global Sanctuary for Elephants and their pilot project, Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, are helping to change the paradigm for captive elephant care in South America. Elephant Sanctuary Brazil provides a permanent home where elephants are respected and cared for as individuals, allowed expansive space to roam freely, receive specialized veterinary care, and opportunity to enjoy elephant companions. A welcome and triumphant new standard of care for elephants in South America.”

“It is a great honor to receive this recognition from GFAS,” said Scott Blais, GSE Executive Director. “We are proud to be included amongst outstanding sanctuaries that strive to elevate integrity and, ultimately, the quality of life for the animals under their care. Global Sanctuary for Elephants believes providing sanctuary for animals goes well beyond the provision of a better life. To thoroughly do justice to all that is encompassed by “sanctuary,” it is necessary, and it is our responsibility, to reach beyond the established limits. Together with our supporters, volunteers, GFAS, and our new family of accredited sanctuaries, we can create a future for animals that exceeds anything we previously thought possible.”

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.

About Global Sanctuary for Elephants
Elephants are regarded as one of the most intelligent and emotional species, yet their lives in captivity often stifle the expression of their true nature, their true selves. Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to provide a healing solution for captive elephants globally, allowing them to reconnect to what it means to be an elephant. Our pilot project, Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, is the only elephant sanctuary in Latin America. Our decades of expertise facilitate the adjustment of each elephant’s care to meet their specific emotional and physical needs, allowing not only their body to heal but their spirit as well. The vast, natural, safe space of their sanctuary empowers elephants to think, move, and communicate once again, all with the incomparable support of other herd members. Their journeys are not only emotional to follow, but they serve to educate about the depth of trauma that is caused by the sterile life of captivity, the resilience each individual has, and their desire to become whole again. Our goal at GSE is to give elephants back their lives. For more about GSE, visit: www.globalelephants.org.

Download press release in English here.
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