InSync earns global accreditation for care of exotic cats

(Collin County) InSync Wildlife Rescue and Education Center, located at 3430 Skyview Drive in Wylie, has earned accreditation as a member of the American Sanctuary Association, as well as the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

This honor is a testament to the high quality of  care and shelter that the center provides to the 59 exotic cats and one coatimundi that currently reside there. The 501(c) 3 organization, founded by Vicky Keahy, is dedicated to the rescue and care of abused, neglected, or unwanted exotic cats – which includes two cheetahs, three exceptionally rare white lions, three white tigers and a tiger cub.

The American Sanctuary Association was founded in 1998 with two primary goals. First, the accrediting organization requires member animal sanctuaries to comply with a variety of high-quality animal care standards and housing requirements. Besides conducting a detailed application process, they also visit all animal sanctuaries to assure that their facilities and animal care merit the endorsement.

ASA member sanctuaries are not allowed to breed, sell or trade animals, or use them for commercial purposes. Additionally, ASA works to find sanctuary placement for homeless, abandoned, seized and abused exotic animals, non-releasable native wild animals, farmed animals and companion animals. Their job is to save animals from death or further abuse, and to certify quality animal sanctuaries so the public will know which ones are truly worthy of support. (source: asaanimalsanctuaries.org)

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) was formed in 2007 by nationally and globally recognized leaders in the animal protection field for the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries worldwide. GFAS does not operate animal sanctuaries, but rather helps sanctuaries help animals.

GFAS is the first animal sanctuary accrediting organization to take on this task at an international level. Their Captive Wild Animal Protection Campaign also serves to provide education on the causes and conditions of displaced animals and what can be done to stop exploitation and cruelty. GFAS publicly advocates for the compelling need to actively support accredited sanctuaries.

GFAS is bringing recognition and support to legitimate sanctuaries around the globe, while illegitimate commercial operators or substandard roadside menageries that merely call themselves a “sanctuary” are exposed to the public. Donors and foundations can rely on GFAS to objectively verify that animal sanctuaries are providing animals the standards of care that they deserve. (source: sanctuaryfederation.org/gfas/home)

For more information about In-Sync Exotics, tour times, or ways to volunteer or donate to the cause, visit insyncexotics.com.

Submitted by Lisa Williams, In-Sync Wildlife Rescue and Education Center.

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