Ocean Park Hong Kong is now among an elite group of only six institutions worldwide to earn the prestigious Humane Conservation seal of approval and is the very first to be certified in Asia.

American Humane launched the Humane Conservation program in June as the world's first-ever certification devoted solely to verifying the humane treatment of animals living in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers across the globe.

Humane Conservation enforces rigorous, evidence-based standards of comprehensive animal welfare, developed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee of world-renowned leaders in the fields of animal science, animal behavior, animal ethics, and conservation.

These extensive criteria exhaustively consider the many dimensions of animal welfare and well-being, with areas of evaluation including: excellent health and housing; positive social interactions within groups of animals, as well as between animals and handlers; safe and stimulating environments, enriched with concern for factors such as appropriate lighting, sound levels, air quality, and thermoregulation; and evidence of thorough preparation and protocols established to prevent and manage medical or operational emergencies.

For added rigor, compliance with the exacting Humane Conservation standards is verified through independent, third-party audits.

"American Humane is thrilled to award our premiere Humane Conservation seal of approval to Ocean Park Hong Kong, which is now the very first certified institution in all of the Asia," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. "Ocean Park Hong Kong passed the rigorous, third-party welfare auditing required to earn Humane Conservation certification, demonstrating the institution's commitment to the highest humane standards of verifiable, transparent animal care."

American Humane is the country's first national humane organization. To learn more, please visit www.americanhumane.org.