Karoo Donkey Sanctury, the First Equine Sanctuary in Africa to be Awarded GFAS Verification

February 10, 2023 (Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa) – Driven by their passion to make a difference in the world of equine welfare in South Africa, the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary (KDS) transforms itself into a bonafide equine sanctuary and becomes Africa’s first equine sanctuary to be certified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Verified status to the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary as of January 31, 2023.

Certification means that KDS has met the criteria of a true animal sanctuary/rescue and is providing humane and responsible care of all the animals in their care. To become certified, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit. They must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles. The Certification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public and donors to recognize the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary as an exceptional animal rescue organization.

“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, in South Africa.”, said Traci Hanson, GFAS Program Director-Equine. “KDS is doing remarkable rescue and rehabilitation work at their sanctuary in South Africa, but they are also making a huge impact in the trenches of donkey rescue elsewhere in Africa. They have succeeded in exposing the gruesome donkey skins trade to China, in ensuring the closure of Africa’s largest donkey slaughterhouse, and in helping the government to impose a ban on the trade in Tanzania, one of the former donkey skins trade hubs.”

To date the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary has provided a safe haven to over 300 donkeys and 50+ rescued horses including veterinary care, balanced nutritional diets, ample space to roam, and the freedom to live out the rest of their lives in peace and sanctuary. Not only is KDS a forever home for donkeys and horses, but the sanctuary is also an oasis to twelve other species of rescued farm animals including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, peacocks, turkeys and geese. The sanctuary also has a small wildlife protection division that cares for seven ostriches and a zebra.

“With sheer grit and determination, my life’s mission to create a place of true shelter and sanctuary for countless previously abused and persecuted African donkeys and horses has become a magical reality and I am honored to be able to give back a small portion of what they have given me – unconditional love and spiritual enlightenment”, states Jonno Sherwin, Founder & Executive Director of Karoo Donkey Sanctuary. ”The GFAS certification process helped us to formalize our operating practices and procedures, and this certification will help prospective new donors to have greater faith in the legitimacy of our work and of our greater mission.”

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 Karoo Donkey Sanctuary

The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary provides a lifetime of love and care for previously abused and persecuted donkeys and horses. We are honored to care for these beautiful animals each and every day, and to provide them with a safe, loving and caring home. The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is located in Plettenberg Bay, along South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route.

The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is a registered NPO (Non-Profit Organization), as well as a registered PBO (Public Benefit Organization) and was founded by animal activist Jonno Sherwin.

The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is governed by a compassionate group of individuals who are dedicated to their mission and efforts. To learn more about Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, go to: http://karoodonkey.org/

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