Contact:  Jackie Bennett

Deputy Director, Great Apes and Regional

Accreditation – GFAS jackie@sanctuaryfederation.org 1-571-249-3692

Brooke Chavez, Primarily Primates Brooke@primarilyprimates.org (830) 755-4616 

 

 

 

December 15, 2014

(San Antonio, TX) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, is pleased to announce that Primarily Primates, Inc., formerly awarded GFAS Verification, has achieved full GFAS Accreditation as of December 10, 2014. 

The accreditation signifies that Primarily Primates meets GFAS’ rigorous and peer-reviewed standards, as confirmed by a site visit, for the definition of a true sanctuary and humane and responsible care of animals, as well as standards addressing safety and security, veterinary care, and areas of financial and other organizational sustainability. The accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Primarily Primates as an outstanding sanctuary. 

“Primarily Primates continues to make great strides in its care of more than 400 residents, ranging from chimpanzees to lemurs to parrots,” said Jackie Bennett, Deputy Director-Great Apes and Regional Accreditation. “From the many exciting changes in the habitats to the innovative enrichment opportunities, the sanctuary demonstrates its commitment to providing the best life to the animals in its care. We look forward to hearing about more of the changes that Primarily Primates has planned in the months and years to come.” 

Primarily Primates provides lifetime care and housing for native and non-native homeless, abused and abandoned animals, mostly primates, saving them from death and/or continued exploitation. Brooke Chavez, executive director of Primarily Primates, welcomes the good news: “We’re thrilled to receive accreditation, and to join our peers around the globe who care for exploited primates and other non-human animals. It’s a privilege to do the work we do, and we’re grateful to be recognized as a model sanctuary.”  

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries 

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 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, the ASPCA, and American Anti- Vivisection Society, all Board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries.  

For more information, please visit www.sanctuaryfederation.org.  

About Primarily Primates 

Primarily Primates Incorporated is a non-profit sanctuary in Bexar County, Texas that operates to house, protect, and rehabilitate various non-native animals. The private refuge currently houses more than 400 non- human animals. As the name implies, Primarily Primates focuses primarily on caring for apes and monkeys. Many are cast-offs from the pet trade and biomedical research institutions.