WASHINGTON, D.C., November 20, 2024 — 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 Opel Zoo, located in Kronberg im Taunus, Germany, has earned certification through the Global Humane Conservation™ program and is recognized for its high standards of care and treatment of animals. Opel Zoo is the second zoo in Germany to achieve certification and is a leader in species protection, research, and conservation.

“We are thrilled that Opel Zoo has met the standards for Global Humane certification,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane. “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, Opel Zoo 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 the 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.

“We feel honored that our work has received this international recognition,” said Dr. Thomas Kauffels, Director of Opel-Zoo. “This is also a great motivation for our team, which is dedicated to the welfare of our animals every day.”

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 Opel Zoo

Opel Zoo is a scientifically managed Zoological Garden in Kronberg im Taunus, Germany. On 27 hectares, the zoo presents more than 1,600 animals of 200 species in spacious enclosures, including the only elephants in the state of Hesse. Founded in 1956 as a private initiative, Opel Zoo is now run by a non-profit foundation. Its work focuses on animal research, animal and species protection, and conservation education.

With up to 600,000 visitors and more than 22,000 participants in the zoos educational programs per year, Opel Zoo is one of the most popular leisure and educational facilities in Hesse. For more information visit www.opel-zoo.de

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.