Today, American Humane announced that San Antonio Zoo achieved certification for the treatment of its animals by the global American Humane Conservation program — joining an elite group of zoos, aquariums and conservation centers worldwide to earn this prestigious seal of approval.

An ambitious, first-of-its-kind initiative, the American Humane Conservation program uses comprehensive, evidence-based standards—developed by an independent scientific advisory committee comprised of world-renowned leaders in the fields of animal science, animal behavior, animal ethics, and conservation—to help ensure the welfare and humane treatment of animals living in the world’s zoos, aquariums and conservation centers.

“American Humane is thrilled to announce the certification of San Antonio Zoo under the American Humane Conservation program,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “San Antonio Zoo joins an elite group of institutions that have earned the program’s prestigious Humane Certified seal of approval, demonstrating to the public their commitment to meeting the highest standards of humane, verifiable, and transparent animal care.”

“We are pleased that American Humane has recognized San Antonio Zoo for our efforts to provide world-class animal care and focus on animal welfare,” said Tim Morrow, CEO and Executive Director of San Antonio Zoo. “Our entire zoo crew works tirelessly to provide the absolute best for the animals in our care. The end result is a group of individuals who are both passionate about and committed to securing a future for wildlife. It is our desire to inspire people to take a LEAP for wildlife… to love, engage with, act for, and protect animals and the places they live. This recognition from American Humane lends even more credibility to our efforts.”

The certification helps to assure the public that the animals living in San Antonio Zoo and all certified institutions are healthy, positively social, active, safe and living with proper light, sound, air and heat levels. San Antonio locals and tourists from around the world can now experience the excitement of a visit to the San Antonio Zoo with the peace of mind that comes from knowing the 750 species of animals living there receive high standards of humane, verifiable and transparent welfare.

You can read more about The American Humane Conservation program here: http://humaneconservation.org/