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 Oceanogràfic València, the largest oceanarium in Europe, has earned recertification through the Global Humane Conservation™ program. Oceanogràfic València has continuously maintained its certification since first becoming Humane Certified in 2020.
“We are proud to continue recognizing Oceanogràfic València as a Global Humane Certified oceanarium,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane. “Zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks around the world play an important role in the animal welfare movement, and this recertification further signifies Oceanogràfic València as a leader in aquatic care and conservation.”
Rigorous Certification Standards:
To be recognized as Global Humane Certified, Oceanogràfic València passed a rigorous independent assessment that reviewed the wellbeing of animals in their care and demonstrated overall excellence in their animal care and welfare practices. The unique process is guided by the latest science and best practices and is informed 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 confidence that the institution is meeting a high benchmark of care. The process includes submission of a pre-audit application, followed by an onsite audit that assesses animal welfare. Factors considered during the audit include, but are not limited to, housing, nutrition, water, lighting, shade, sound, activity levels, and the training of staff who are interacting with the animals. The benchmarks are species specific.
“Receiving animal welfare certification from Global Humane reaffirms Oceanogràfic’s commitment to excellence in the care and conservation of marine life. We will continue to strive to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare to ensure a safe and enriching environment for all the species we house,” highlighted Dr. Daniel García Párraga, director of zoological operations at Oceanogràfic Valencia.
The Global Humane Conservation™ 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 enforces 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 excellent practices at deserving zoos and aquariums and offers increased assurance to visitors that the institution they are visiting is worthy of their support.
About Oceanogràfic València:
Located in the avant-garde architectural complex of the City of Arts and Sciences in València, Spain, the aquarium, operated by Avanqua-Oceanogràfic SL, is a true tribute to the seas and oceans of the planet and contains large aquariums which faithfully reproduce the most important marine ecosystems. Beyond its recreational component, Oceanogràfic València’s main objective is to actively promote the conservation of the seas and their inhabitants and to disseminate the importance of this message among the population of the community of València and the rest of the world. In this way, Oceanogràfic València is configured as a first-rate scientific, educational and recreational center, also accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), Asociación Ibérica de Zoos y Acuarios (AIZA) and European Association for Aquatic Mammals (EAAM), among others.
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, 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.
