The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary is the first Equine Sanctuary in Europe be Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

March 2, 2022 (Cornwall, UK) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations, awarded Accredited status to the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary on February 15, 2022.

Accreditation signifies that the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are very proud to announce the Accreditation of the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary,” said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. “In addition to providing excellent care for these special equines, the Flicka Foundation implements the full range of nonprofit management best practices, and clearly is a model sanctuary for others to follow. They have worked diligently to ensure that the mission of the Flicka Foundation established by their founder Mary Berryman, will be carried out for generations to come.”

Judy Giles and Laurie Stephenson run The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary together as Executive Directors of the charity.  “As an animal sanctuary, we follow our hearts, said Judy Giles, Executive Director of the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary. “Our morals, passion and compassion tell us we are doing the best we possibly can for the animals that, for one reason or another, find themselves in need of our help. Running a sanctuary can be challenging to say the least, so to have a professional body like GFAS tell us we’re doing things right is incredibly rewarding. We are absolutely delighted to receive GFAS Accreditation, and we will strive to continue to set the bar high with our commitment to animal welfare, ethics and professionalism for the donkeys we care for and all the others out there who need us.”

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.

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 the Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary
The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary was founded by Mary Berryman in 1995, following the rescue of an elderly pony (Flicka). When 5 donkeys were acquired from an auction in Romania, the plight of at-risk donkeys became their focus. Charity status in the United Kingdom was granted in 2007. Flicka Foundation’s stated mission is to rescue and rehabilitate donkeys, horses and other companion animals from cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, as well as help elderly animals that require veterinary care and specialized attention. Most of their animals come from law enforcement agencies, owner surrenders, and the occasional purchase from auction.  The Flicka Foundation has a foster network of which they retain ownership of all animals for their lives. They also have programs that encourage under-privileged, disabled, and sick children to interact with their rescued donkeys and horses as a therapeutic service. Members of the public are welcome to visit the donkeys year-round. Visits are always escorted and educational.

For more information, please visit  www.flickafoundation.org.uk

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