Global Humane, the international arm of American Humane, the leading national animal welfare organization in the United States and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare facilities, today announced that Cologne Zoo has achieved Global Humane Certified™ recognition for its high standards in the care and treatment of animals. Cologne Zoo is the first in Germany to receive the Global Humane certification.
“We are very pleased that the Cologne Zoo has met the standards for Global Humane certification,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane. “The certification offers us the opportunity to demonstrate the great importance of zoos, aquariums and to recognize more comparable animal welfare centers around the world.”
Strict certification standards:
In order to be recognized as Global Humane Certified, the Cologne Zoo passed a rigorous, independent examination lasting several days that examined the welfare of the animals living there. The process is based on the latest scientific findings and best practices and is led by experienced veterinarians and experts in the fields of animal welfare, animal science, zoology and ethics.
The independent validation process, which goes far beyond animal welfare, reassures visitors that the facility meets high standards of animal care. The process involves submitting a pre-audit application, followed by an on-site inspection to assess animal welfare. Factors considered during the audit include, but are not limited to, housing, food, water, animal training, enrichment and the training of staff working with the animals. The standards are adapted to the needs of the respective animal species.
“The Cologne Zoo is the first zoo in Germany to receive the animal welfare certificate from Global Humane,” says Prof. Theo B. Pagel, board member of the Cologne Zoo. “This is great and confirms us in our work. Our express thanks go out all employees, because only together can we keep and care for our animals in the best possible way.”
Dr. Ralf Unna, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Cologne Zoo, adds: “The Supervisory Board sees the certification as confirmation of how high the standards and benchmarks are in the Cologne Zoo when it comes to animal welfare. This is a great honor and makes us proud.”
The Global Humane Certified™ program is the first certification program designed solely to verify the welfare and humane treatment of animals in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers around the world. The program enforces rigorous, science-based and comprehensive animal welfare criteria, reviewed by an independent Scientific Advisory Board composed of world-renowned experts in the fields of animal science, animal behavior, and animal ethics. The audit helps ensure the best conditions in zoos and aquariums and provides guests with greater assurance that the facility they are visiting is worth their support.
About the Cologne Zoo:
The Cologne Zoo was founded in 1860. Next year it will celebrate its 165th anniversary. With around 11,000 animals from almost 750 species, it is one of the most diverse zoos in Europe. The Cologne Zoo has been a distinctive part of Cologne since 1860. It combines tradition with innovation and combines leisure and relaxation with science and research. The Cologne Zoo also continually sets standards internationally – be it in the construction of modern animal houses or in its extensive commitment to species protection. He is involved in more than 30 nature conservation projects in various regions of the world, including Vietnam and Laos, where he has contributed to the discovery and protection of over 130 new vertebrate species. All of this is honored by more than 1 million visitors every year.
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 over 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, X, 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.
