WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, November 14, 2023 — Global Humane, the international brand of American Humane, the United States’ first national humane organization and world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, announced today that Poema del Mar Aquarium, an aquarium located in Spain’s Canary Islands, earned the Global Humane Certified™ distinction for meeting high standards for animal care.
“We are thrilled that Poema del Mar Aquarium has met the standards to become Global Humane Certified,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane. “Poema del Mar Aquarium is home to aquatic life and inspires people to care for our oceans, reefs and jungles, and helps educate the next generation of conservationists.”
To receive the Global Humane certification, Poema del Mar passed a rigorous independent assessment, which reviewed and assessed the wellbeing of animals in the aquarium’s care. The unique process is guided by the latest science and is informed by a Scientific Advisory Group made up of 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 facility is meeting a high benchmark of care. The process includes a pre-audit application that is followed up by an onsite visit 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.
“It is a great satisfaction for us, that the work and dedication that the Poema del Mar team is putting into providing the highest welfare standards to the animals under our responsibility has been recognised. The fact that we have been accredited by the world’s most prestigious animal welfare certifier is proof of the excellence that our institution has achieved in this field,” said Christoph Kiessling, Vice President of Loro Parque Group.
The Humane Conservation™ program is the first certification effort solely dedicated to 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. The audit helps to verify good practices at deserving zoos and aquariums and offers increased assurance to visitors that the institution they are visiting is worthy of their support.
About Poema del Mar:
Poema del Mar is a spectacular aquarium located in Gran Canaria. An authentic marine life conservation centre that is home to more than 25,000 animals of more than 500 species. The aquarium has the largest curved window in the world, 36 metres wide and seven metres high, which provides an incomparable immersive experience for the visitor. In addition, Poema del Mar represents the maximum commitment to biodiversity, respect for species and a commitment to the preservation of natural environments.
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.
