WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, July 2, 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 The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has earned certification through the Global Humane Conservation™ program and is recognized for its high standards of care and treatment of animals.
“We are thrilled that The National Aquarium has met the standards for the Global Humane Conservation certification,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of Global Humane. “Their commitment to marine welfare and providing immersive educational experiences is critical to inspiring the next generation of conservationists.”
As one of the largest aquariums in the Middle East, The National Aquarium is home to 46,000 animals dispersed across ten zones with environments designed by experts that allow each species to thrive. The aquarium engages attendees of all ages in the importance of biodiversity preservation. Conservation education is at the core of The National Aquarium, and through an interactive curriculum called the Professors Aquademy, they teach students about different environments and instill the importance of preserving them for future generations.
Additionally, through its strategic partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), The National Aquarium has established the largest and one of the most innovative rehabilitation programs of its kind to protect wildlife in Abu Dhabi. This partnership includes the creation of a specialized animal rescue vehicle to respond to wildlife emergencies, offer first aid, and transport injured animals to The National Aquarium for assessment and treatment, and eventually release.
“We are particularly proud to share that the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is certified by Global Humane, the international brand of American Humane. This prestigious certification signifies our commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare, aligning perfectly with our core values of conservation and responsible wildlife care,” said Paul Hamilton, General Manager of The National Aquarium – Abu Dhabi.
Rigorous Certification Standards:
To be recognized as Global Humane Certified, The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi 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 which are informed by respected veterinarians and experts in the fields of animal welfare, animal science, zoology and ethics with 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.
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 The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi:
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is the largest aquarium in the Middle East and is home to 46,000 animals spread across ten zones spanning from the tropical waters of the Pacific and freshwaters of the Amazon through to the frozen ice caps of the Arctic and the caves of the Mediterranean. The ten zones host more than 300 species, including 200 sharks and rays which represent 25 different species. All the animals are cared for by a team of 80 sea-life experts.
The National Aquarium is designed to provide live experiences, community engagement, and hands-on involvement in preserving the local biodiversity and heritage to build a more sustainable future. With a focus on conservation education, The National Aquarium’s Professor Aquademy, which has the capacity to welcome up to 50,000 public and private school students a year, is dedicated to enhancing environmental knowledge and sparking an interest in the natural world amongst younger generations. As part of The National Aquarium’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation, they are creating an innovative rehabilitation program in partnership with The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
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.
