Lilongwe Wildlife Centre in Malawi is Accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

Washington, DC, January 06, 2016 --(PR.com)-- The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, the only globally recognized organization providing standards to identify legitimate animal sanctuaries and wildlife rescue centers, has awarded accredited status to Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, located in Malawi, as of December 21, 2015.

As confirmed through an onsite visit by GFAS, this accreditation signifies that Lilongwe Wildlife Centre meets the Federation’s rigorous, peer-reviewed standards that define a true sanctuary providing humane and responsible care of animals, as well as standards addressing safety and security, veterinary care, and other areas of financial and organizational sustainability. Accredited status with GFAS provides a transparent, trusted means for the public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Lilongwe Wildlife Centre as an outstanding facility.

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, established in 2007 by Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, cares for more than 200 injured or rescued wild animals each year including carnivores, primates, birds, reptiles and antelope. While most animals are rescued within Malawi, the Wildlife Centre also gives sanctuary to some animals rescued from captivity and abuse in other countries. Wherever possible, animals are released back in the wild where they belong. Those who cannot be released are given sanctuary and lifetime care.

“Lilongwe Wildlife Centre plays a critical role in Malawi, not only by rescuing and rehabilitating hundreds of animals, but also through its strong animal welfare and conservation education programs,” said Jackie Bennett, GFAS Director of Accreditation, Africa and Asia. “The Wildlife Centre has demonstrated excellent care of its animals, and serves as an example of responsible tourism that makes animal welfare the first priority. The Centre is also a focused on sustainability, with clear goals set in the coming years to ensure the ongoing high quality of animal care.”

“Receiving GFAS Accreditation has been a fabulous start of 2016,” said Jasper Iepema, Sanctuary Manager for Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. “We are thrilled that our hard work has met the exacting standards required and we look forward to working together with both GFAS and its other certified sanctuaries in the coming years, continually striving to be the best sanctuary that we can be and sharing our resources and experiences with others wherever helpful.”

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a United States 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the Board includes those in top leadership at Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all Board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. For more information, please visit www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Lilongwe Wildlife Centre
Currently the only accredited wildlife sanctuary in Malawi, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is home to almost 200 injured or rescued wild animals including carnivores, primates, birds, reptiles and antelope. It is also the country’s largest environmental education facility, welcoming over 30,000 visitors a year, and protects an important urban wildlife reserve.

Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is a project of Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, which is a CONGOMA registered NGO working to protect Malawi’s wildlife and habitats. Lilongwe Wildlife Trust runs a number of projects nationwide, including the Wildlife Emergency Response Unit, a joint initiative with the Malawi Government. The environmental education and community conservation projects are designed to benefit both people and wildlife and research projects cover wildlife release, conservation medicine and conservation genetics. Combatting wildlife crime through advocacy and enforcement is also a key remit for the Trust, with work including policy and law reviews, ivory detection dogs and pro-active law enforcement. Find out more at www.lilongwewildlife.org.