DOLPHIN QUEST AWARDED HUMANE CERTIFICATION FOR EXEMPLARY ANIMAL CARE
We are excited to announce that all three Dolphin Quest locations in Hawaii and Bermuda have earned the prestigious Humane Certified™ seal from American Humane, the first national humane organization in the United States and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare. The certification, bestowed by their American Humane Conservation program, helps to ensure that animals are humanely treated in zoological institutions. With today’s news, Dolphin Quest joins an elite group of fewer than a dozen institutions worldwide to achieve humane certification.The American Humane Conservation program was created as a way to verify the welfare of animals in the world’s network of zoos, aquariums and conservation centers. This certification program is an independent, third-party evaluation of the welfare and humane treatment of animals in human care. It is built on the foundation of science and evidence-based practices, with leading experts, scientists, behaviorists and ethicists determining what practices are indeed humane.
The Dolphin Quest locations on Hawaii’s Big Island at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, on Oahu at The Kahala Hotel & Resort and in Bermuda at the National Museum of Bermuda, were each inspected by independent auditors who evaluated every animal’s welfare and treatment. The auditors looked for the presence of key welfare indicators including; excellent health, safe and stimulating environments, positive social interactions, normal behavioral patterns, excellent nutrition, enrichment opportunities and evidence of appropriate protocols established to prevent and manage medical needs. As a result of the inspections, all three Dolphin Quest locations were awarded American Humane Conservation certification.
“Dolphin Quest’s certification by the American Humane Conservation program signals the institution’s commitment to voluntarily meeting the highest standards of humane, verifiable, and transparent animal care,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “We are proud to recognize this world-class institution with its prestigious Humane Certified™ seal of approval, demonstrating to the public Dolphin Quest’s leadership as a responsible, humane steward of the remarkable animals living in its care.”
“We are excited and honored to have all three of our Dolphin Quest locations certified by American Humane,” says Dr. Rae Stone, Marine Mammal Veterinarian and Co-Founder of Dolphin Quest. “No one loves dolphins more than we do, so this independent third-party review by the world’s most respected humane organization is an excellent affirmation by animal experts that our animals are humanely cared for and are thriving under Dolphin Quest’s care.”
American Humane was founded in 1877, and it has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the protection of animals from abuse and neglect. Today, the nonprofit oversees the humane treatment of over a billion animals worldwide. These efforts include the well-recognized “No Animals Were Harmed®” program ensuring the safety and humane treatment of animals in film and TV.
American Humane is also first to serve animals in crisis. Over the past century, its first responders have provided disaster relief efforts from Pearl Harbor to Superstorm Sandy, working tirelessly to rescue innocent animals in danger.
In addition to being certified by American Humane, Dolphin Quest locations exceed all state and federal requirements for having animals in professional human care, and they are each accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.
Dolphin Quest is an international organization known for its creative approach to education, commitment to ocean wildlife study and exemplary animal health care. The innovative encounter programs featured at Dolphin Quest promote a spirit of connection to the marvels of the oceans and inspire people to care about dolphins and their conservation in the wild. Dolphin Quest’s mission is: To touch hearts and minds through fun, innovative experiences that create a connection to nature and a passion to learn more.
Dolphin Quest has contributed millions of dollars in funding, resources and field support to vital marine scientific studies around the globe. Dolphin Quest’s research support has resulted in over a hundred published, peer reviewed scientific studies. Learn more about Dolphin Quest sponsored scientific studies.