Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary Receives Verification Status From 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 Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary in Ste. Genevieve County as of August 14.
Verification means that Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary meets the criteria of a true animal sanctuary/rescue 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. 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 Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary as an exceptional organization.
“We are proud to announce the recent Verification of Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary,” said Kristin Leppert, GFAS program director for wildlife. “Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary provides high-quality, compassionate care and a permanent home to Izzy, Thor and Gracie — tigers that in the past have endured cruelty.
“Crown Ridge also works diligently to raise public awareness of the big cat crisis by conducting presentations, leading tours, and hosting education groups.”
Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary was founded in 2004.
John Madigan, operations manager of Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary, said, “Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is a relatively young sanctuary and we are so excited to become GFAS verified and continue to grow and work towards our accreditation while continuing to give animals a voice.”
GFAS is a 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.
Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is a non-profit big cat rescue and educational facility that provides permanent lifelong care for abused, neglected or unwanted big cats.
“As a true sanctuary, we do not buy, sell, breed or trade any of our animals; we believe they deserve to live the rest of their lives in a healthy and caring environment,” read a statement from Crown Ridge. “It is our goal to provide our animals with exceptional physical and mental care as well as educating the public about the growing captive wildlife crisis. We work to ‘Give Animals A Voice’ by speaking up for animals, since they cannot speak for themselves. This is achieved through on and off-site presentations, tours, and education groups all to increase public public awareness and inspire a change in the big cat crisis.”
(Information in a release from Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary.)
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