July 15, 2025
The Vancouver Aquarium was one of the first zoological facilities to be Humane Certified and has reached nearly 10 years of certification
Washington, D.C. (July 15) — Global Humane Society, the international brand of American Humane Society announced today that the Vancouver Aquarium has earned recertification through the Global Humane Certified Zoos and Aquariums program. American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices. The Vancouver Aquarium has continuously maintained its certification since first becoming Humane Certified™ in 2016.
“We are proud to continue recognizing the Vancouver Aquarium as a Humane Certified facility,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane. “Zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks around the world play an important role in the animal welfare movement, and this recertification further signifies Vancouver Aquarium as a leader in aquatic care and conservation.”
Rigorous Certification Standards:
To be recognized as Humane Certified, the Vancouver Aquarium 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 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—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 Vancouver Aquarium is committed to the highest standards of animal care, health and well-being,” said Mackenzie Neal, Director of Animal Care at Vancouver Aquarium. “We are proud to have been re-certified by Global Humane Society in recognition of our world class animal care."
The Global Humane Certified Zoos and Aquariums 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.
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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 life-changing 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.
About Vancouver Aquarium:
Since opening in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium has connected over 50 million people from around the world to our oceans and inspired them to address key threats. Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is home to hundreds of incredible species. The Vancouver Aquarium is a fully accredited member of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), and Humane Conservation Certified by Global Humane Society.
