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 Schönbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria earned the Global Humane Certified™ distinction for its high standards of care and treatment of animals.
“We are thrilled that Vienna’s Schönbrunn Zoo has met the standards to become Global Humane Certified,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane Society. “As the world’s oldest zoo, Schönbrunn Zoo welcomes over two million visitors annually to encounter more than 500 species, where centuries-old imperial elegance meets cutting-edge conservation technology. 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, Schönbrunn Zoo passed a rigorous independent assessment that reviewed the well-being 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.
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 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.GlobalHumane.org, follow American Humane Society 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.