Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary Becomes the First Farm Sanctuary in South America to be Verified by Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

July 30, 2020 (Chia Cundinamarca, Colombia) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary (JAS) as of July 21, 2020.

Verification means that Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true farmed animal sanctuary 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. The Verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the recent Verification of Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary in Colombia,” said Daryl Tropea Ph.D., GFAS Program Director. “They are the first farmed animal sanctuary to be certified by GFAS not only in Colombia, but all of South America. A variety of animals including cattle, pigs, rabbits, chickens, and goats have found lifelong homes here in the Andes mountains, after suffering neglect and abuse. Juliana and her team provide the highest quality of medical and daily care as well as promoting respect for all living beings with several advocacy campaigns. Providing vegan cooking workshops and distributing free vegan meals to people in Bogota is part of their outreach program to promote plant-based diets. Also, Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary provides opportunities for visiting international volunteers and interns to learn more about the care of these wonderful animals.”

“I had this urge,” explained Juliana Castaneda Turner, Executive Director and founder of Julian’s Animal Sanctuary, “to open a place like ours to help animals in this region of the world where animals are subject to unimaginable atrocities. Fifteen years ago, we started as a shelter, and more than nine years ago we became a Farm Sanctuary.  The GFAS certification is so important, it is a guideline to continue assuring the best standard for animals, to improve, to grow, and educate in better ways. We have learned so much in the process. I thank the GFAS for always supporting, teaching, and guiding sanctuaries. This is a step forward for the liberation of animals in Colombia.”

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 Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary
Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary has a mission to promote equality and respect for all beings through practice and precept. In addition to our extensive animal rescue and animal care, we place a high priority on vegan advocacy through vegan cooking classes, and a strong online and media presence.

Aims and Objectives:

• To rescue and protect animals in need in Colombia
• To educate the public about the benefits of veganism
• To show that all species of animals deserve love and respect
• To teach equality of all beings
• To advocate through sharing vegan food in partnership with Food for Life Global.

Our main challenge is educating the Colombian public to care about farm animals and street animal companions. There is a general ignorance around the meaning of a sanctuary and a lack of understanding of the benefits of a plant-based diet. Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary is a registered 501c3 charity in Maryland EIN: 47-3548963 and registered charity in Bogota, Colombia: ID: 901.005.060-30. For more information, please visit, https://julianasanimalsanctuary.org/.

Download press release in English here.
Download press release in Spanish here.