WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, November 1, 2023 — Global Humane, the international brand of American Humane, the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, announced today that Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas has earned the distinction of Global Humane Certified™ for its high standards of care and treatment of animals.
“We are thrilled that Atlantis Paradise Island has met the standards to become Global Humane Certified,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane. “Atlantis has a long history of offering opportunities for people to connect with animals. Their efforts in saving species are remarkable with their rescue and rehabilitation hospital and assistance of animals during natural disasters and times of need. This certification provides Global Humane with the opportunity to recognize the extensive reach of the animal welfare movement at zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks around the world.”
Rigorous Certification Standards:
To be recognized as Global Humane certified, Atlantis passed a rigorous independent assessment, which reviewed the well-being of animals in their care including their K-9 unit that patrols and protects the area. The unique process is guided by the latest science and is informed and reviewed by respected veterinarians and experts in the fields of animal welfare, animal science, zoology, and ethics who have decades of experience in protecting animals.
The independent validation process—which goes above and beyond to help protect animals—provides visitors with the confidence the institution is meeting a high benchmark of care. The process includes a pre-audit application that is followed up by an onsite audit that assesses animal welfare. Factors considered during the audit include, but are not limited to, housing, food, water, lighting, shade, sound, activity levels, and the training of staff who are interacting with the animals. The benchmarks are species specific.
“Becoming Global Humane Certified reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering the highest standards of animal care and welfare to the more than 250 species at Atlantis Paradise Island, in addition to protecting marine life and their habitats in the wild,” said Senior Vice President of Marine & Water Park Operations, Michelle Liu. “We are proud to be one of the select facilities to receive this certification, which is a true testament to our team members, expertise, and passion, and our dedication to marine species conservation.”
The Global Humane Certified™ program is the first certification effort solely dedicated to helping verify the welfare and humane treatment of animals living in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers across the globe. The program has rigorous, science-based, and comprehensive criteria for animal welfare, that are reviewed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee comprised of world-renowned leaders in the fields of animal science, animal behavior, and animal ethics. The audit helps to verify good practices at deserving zoos and aquariums and offer increased assurance to visitors that the institution they are visiting is worthy of their support.
About Atlantis Paradise Island:
Atlantis Paradise Island, a lush, oceanside resort located on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, is a dynamic destination that launched over 25 years ago as a first-of-its-kind modern marvel of nature and engineering. Bahamian culture and the spirit of its beloved team members are the heart and soul of this legendary resort. The immersive programming connects guests to the rich history, art, people, food, and festivities of The Bahamas while remaining dedicated to sustainability and environmental conservation.
Atlantis features five unique lodging options: the grand iconic towers of The Royal, family-friendly accommodations at The Coral, water-side villas at Harborside Resort, all-suite luxury accommodations at The Cove, and residential-style accommodations with full kitchens at The Reef. Home to the largest open-air marine habitat in the world, over 50,000 marine animals from 250 species make their home in ocean-fed environments.
Atlantis has committed to a meaningful connection with the ocean, marine life, sustainability, and environmental stewardship through its purpose-led efforts with Dolphin Cay and the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation (ABPF). Dolphin Cay, the resort’s 14-acre marine mammal habitat, is an advanced marine education center and animal rescue rehabilitation hospital whose first residents include 17 rescued dolphins from Hurricane Katrina. Visitors to Dolphin Cay, one of the largest and most sophisticated marine-mammal habitats in the world, can participate in immersive and educational interactions that inspire a real connection with marine life, and help fund the resort’s conservation efforts. Every visit to Dolphin Cay and each Atlantis Marine Adventure benefits ABPF, the resort’s nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to saving sea species and their extraordinary habitats throughout The Bahamas and surrounding Caribbean seas.
For more information about Atlantis Paradise Island resort, Atlantis Blue Project Foundation and Dolphin Cay, please visit atlantisbahamas.com.
About Global Humane:
Global Humane is the international brand of American Humane, which is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
