All SANCOBB Centers are Now Global Humane Certified
Global Humane Society, the international brand of American Humane Society, the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, announced today that Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) Cape Town Center in Cape Town, South Africa earned the Global Humane Certified™ distinction for its high standards of care and treatment of animals. The Cape Town Center joins SANCCOB’s Gqeberha Center in certification, making all SANCCOB locations Global Humane Certified.
“We are thrilled that SANCCOB Cape Town Center has met the standards to become Global Humane Certified,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society. “The Cape Town Center provides critical care to sea birds in South Africa and educates people about the plight of the critically endangered African Penguin species and other seabirds. This certification provides Global Humane Society 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, SANCCOB Cape Town Center passed a rigorous independent assessment that reviewed the wellbeing of animals in their care. 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 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, food, water, lighting, shade, sound, activity levels, and the training of staff who are interacting with the animals. The benchmarks are species specific.
“We are proud that SANCCOB’s Cape Town critical care facility has achieved Global Humane Certified™ status,” said Natalie Maskell, Chief Executive Officer of SANCCOB. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to high standards of animal care for the seabirds we rescue and rehabilitate every day. It also affirms the dedication of our team, volunteers, interns, and partners who work tirelessly to give every bird the best possible chance of survival and release back into the wild.”
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 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 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 the SANCCOB Cape Town Center
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) is a leading non-profit organization established in 1968 to rescue ill, injured, abandoned, and oiled seabirds, rehabilitate them, and release them back into the wild, with a special focus on the Critically Endangered African Penguin.
SANCCOB’s Cape Town Center, located in Table View, serves as the organization’s primary seabird rehabilitation facility and education hub, caring for thousands of seabirds each year. The Center also plays a vital role in disaster response, research, and community awareness, working with local and international partners to protect Africa’s coastal bird populations and marine ecosystems.
For more information, visit www.sanccob.co.za or follow SANCCOB on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
About Global Humane Society:
Global Humane Society is the international brand of American Humane Society, 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. American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. 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.
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.