Program areas at GFAS
Accreditation: since gfas is The most widely recognized and respected certification program for Sanctuaries, various individuals and entities, such as donors, Animal protection organizations, government agencies and The public rely on gfas standards to identify and distinguish true Sanctuaries. At The end of 2022, there were 215 accredited or verified Sanctuaries, rescues and rehabilitation centers distributed throughout 18 countries and 37 states in The united states of america. As part of The accreditation process, 75 site visits were conducted at Animal care facilities over The course of The year, supporting The highest levels of Animal care and sustainability, while furthering sanctuary capacity building. Gfas also convened an expert group that began work on standards for accreditation of cetacean Sanctuaries in recognition of growing interest to rescue whales and dolphins from poor conditions in captivity.
Outreach: gfas educates Sanctuaries, The public, donors, Animal protection organizations and government agencies, and in 2022 provided a variety of outreach programming to communicate The benefits of accreditation, heighten awareness for true Sanctuaries, assist Sanctuaries in enhancing effectiveness, and increasing capacity for care. These efforts include presenting at several national and Global partner alliance conferences and workshops in person and virtually on The benefits of gfas accreditation and The gfas standards of excellence. Gfas led giving day of apes, raising awareness and 938,567 in funds, and building outreach and fundraising capacity for primate Sanctuaries. Gfas presented The carole noon award for sanctuary leadership and outstanding sanctuary awards in equine, wildlife, farmed Animal, and international categories. Gfas also established The adam roberts sanctuary support fund to provide targeted assistance grants for Sanctuaries.