American Humane Society, the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, announced today that the Forest Preserves of Cook County has earned the distinction of American Humane Certified™ for its high standards of care and treatment of animals at its six nature centers.
“We are thrilled that the Forest Preserves of Cook County have met the standards to become American Humane Certified,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “These preserves not only house and protect important native species but also teach visitors about their essential role in our ecosystems. This certification provides American Humane Society with the opportunity to recognize the extensive reach of the animal welfare movement at zoos, aquariums and conservation parks around the world.”
To be recognized as American Humane Certified, the Forest Preserves of Cook County passed a rigorous independent assessment that reviewed the wellbeing 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 Ambassador Animal program at the Forest Preserves is yet another way visitors enjoy and learn about the native animals that live right here in Cook County. American Humane Society’s certification is recognition of the excellence that our staff, systems, facilities and care provide to our animal partners,” said Forest Preserves of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle.
For decades, the Forest Preserves of Cook County has housed animals that teach tens of thousands of visitors annually about native species and their importance to the local ecosystems. More than 50 species and 120 animals that could not survive in the wild now call five of the Forest Preserves’ six nature centers home, including red-tailed hawk, coyote, blue spotted salamander, barred owl and painted turtles. In 2022, the Forest Preserves released a report on its care of these ambassador animals, which included a recommendation to pursue American Humane Certification.
“We are proud and pleased to receive the American Humane Certification. American Humane Society’s rigorous, science-based evaluation is the latest and most extensive third-party validation that we are providing an appropriate home and care for our ambassador animals,” said Eileen Figel, the interim general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
The American 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.
“The Forest Preserves of Cook County continues to work ahead of the curve in providing excellent care to all the flora and fauna inhabiting our natural lands,” said Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton. “In 2022 I requested a full review of the Animal Ambassador Program, and the Forest Preserves pursued both academic review and an American Humane Certification. This certification provides further support of the Forest Preserves’ dedication to ensuring Cook County’s emerald resource continues to shine brightly for decades to come.”
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