Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary in England is Verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

March 23, 2023 (Ascot, Berkshire, UK) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, has awarded Verified status to Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary as of March 13, 2023.

Verification means that Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary has met the criteria of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care to its animals. To become verified, 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 Verification status provides a clear and trusted means for the public and donors to recognize Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.

“We are delighted to announce the Verification of Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary,” said Jackie Bennett, GFAS Program Director, Africa, and Asia. “This is a true sanctuary, dedicated to providing a safe haven, rehabilitative care, and a permanent home to primates in need, many of whom have suffered physical and psychological trauma from past lives of exploitation and neglect. Those lives are behind them now. Throughout this Verification process, Lakeview has demonstrated its commitment to meet high standards and to continue its work to strengthen and sustain its organization for now and the years to come.”

Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary, currently home to 29 primates including macaques and ring-tailed lemurs, has rescued more than 50 monkeys since its founding in 2007. These animals, arriving from the primate pet trade, laboratories, circuses, and zoos, now live within the sanctuary’s 10 wooded acres. In keeping with its belief that the animals in their care have the right to peace and tranquility and time to be with their own kind, Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary is not open to the public.

“For over 40 years we have worked with primates, and our dream and ambition during this time was to create a true sanctuary where primates could live out their remaining years, away from stress, fear, and abuse. This dream came to fruition after our search to find the ideal location was realized and the creation of our charity, founded in 2007,” said co-founders Jim and Sharon Shaw. “We have strived throughout this time to do the best for our primates and part of this process included, in 2011, becoming one of the inaugural partners in the European Alliance of Rescue Centres and Sanctuaries (EARS). We wholeheartedly support the ethos of collaboration between organisations to promote the highest welfare standards for captive animals in sanctuaries and rescue centres within Europe. By gaining GFAS verification status, it shows that we are continually striving to improve the lives of our primates, and we look forward to continuing this process for our current residents and any we may have the honour of providing a home for in the future.”

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 International Fund for Animal Welfare and American Anti- Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries.

For more information, visit www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary

Monkeys and lemurs in distress are rescued, re-homed, and rehabilitated at Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary, with care, patience, and kindness. We try to help them recover from the psychological and physical trauma they have suffered over the years. Some of our primates have endured terrible suffering for over 20 years, having been deprived of their basic needs of companionship, the correct nutrition and veterinary care, leaving them needing round the clock attention. To rescue these beautiful creatures and nurse them back to physical and mental health, is our prime focus. Our mission is to:

• Rescue: We travel the country in response to phone calls from other rescue organisations and individuals to reach monkeys in distress.
• Re-home: Once a monkey has been rescued, he is brought back to Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary where he can live with his own kind.
• Rehabilitate: Monkeys suffer trauma and distress as much as we humans do. To rehabilitate these wonderful creatures takes time, patience, and kindness, all found at Lakeview.

For more information, visit www.lakeviewmonkeysanctuary.com.

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