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REPORT
Department: Department of Conservation and Experiential Programming
Request: Receive and File
Report Title: American Humane Conservation Certification
Certification Period: 12/16/2024 - 12/15/2025
Summary: On December 16, 2024, the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) was awarded a Certificate of Approval in the American Humane Association’s (“American Humane”) Conservation Certification Program for its Ambassador Animal Program at its six nature centers. In June, the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners re-approved (with updated terms) the agreement with American Humane to have the Forest Preserves’ six Nature Centers go through the certification program (See Board Item No. 24-0077). In October, American Humane had an auditor spend a week at the Nature Centers, observing the Ambassador Animals, reviewing procedures and records and talking with and observing staff as they provided husbandry, enrichment and programming with and for the Ambassador Animals.
The assessment included evaluating the animals’ enclosures, behaviors, food quality, physiological metrics, choice, environmental parameters, care and more. In its assessment, American Humane asked the Forest Preserves to address one item related to two Snapping Turtles at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center and Sand Ridge Nature Center. With an action plan in place for that issue, the final approval was provided by American Humane, which is the first national humane organization in America and the world’s largest certifier of the welfare and humane treatment of animals in working and other environments. American Humane’s animal welfare certification programs are built on the foundation of science and evidence-based practices, with independent third-party leading experts, scientists, behaviorists and ethicists determining what practices are indeed humane.
In its letter to the Forest Preserves upon receiving the certification, Robin R. Ganzert, Ph.D., President & CEO said, “I would like to congratulate you and your team at the Forest Preserves of Cook County for your demonstrated commitment to animal welfare. You have joined an elite group of institutions around the world to earn the American Humane Certified™ seal of approval, and I commend you for your dedicated work in providing exceptional welfare to the animals in your care while educating and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.”
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