Tenino, WA - The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is honored to announce that Wolf Haven International in Tenino, Washington has achieved GFAS Accreditation.

"It is heartwarming to see animals that were once neglected, abandoned or abused receiving the high  quality, livelong care and respect they deserve at Wolf Haven International.  Wolf Haven  International truly maintains the welfare of the wolves as their greatest  priority as demonstrated by their highly natural wolf habitats and their "hands-off" animal  management practices", says, Kellie Heckman, Executive Director of GFAS.

Achieving GFAS Accreditation means Wolf Haven International meets the comprehensive and rigorous

definition of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the canids, meeting

rigorous and peer-reviewed standards for operations, administration, and veterinary care

established by GFAS, which is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for

identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. The accreditation status also provides a clear and

trusted means for public, donors, and government agencies to recognize Wolf Haven International as

an exceptional sanctuary.

Wolf Haven International's mission is working to conserve and protect wolves and their habitat.

Founded in 1982 by Steve and Linda Kuntz, Wolf Haven has rescued and provided a safe haven for

captive-born, displaced wolves for more than three decades. Many of the wolves were originally

privately owned, while others came from zoos, roadside attractions and other less than ideal

situations. Some of the wolves may be viewed during guided sanctuary visits; however the majority reside outside of the public area and are seen only by animal care staff  during routine care and feeding.

Wolf Haven follows a hands-off approach with their resident wolves, and does not force unnecessary

human interaction upon them. Committed to providing the highest level of care for the wolves, Wolf

Haven carefully examines every action or procedure to ensure that it best serves the animals living

there. Diane Gallegos, executive director of Wolf Haven explains: "As a sanctuary, we provide a

safe, lifetime home where the wolves are free to express themselves and be appreciated for who and

what they are."

The wolves receive exceptional care, quality food and progressive medical treatment. Wolf Haven's

guiding principle is to consider all aspects of each animal's well-being and ensure that they are

treated with compassion, respect and dignity from the day they arrive until their end of days.

Wolf Haven's most recent rescue is Shali, an eight-year old female gray wolf from a zoo in

Asheville, NC. She did not get along with two other wolves there and with limited options (many

facilities are not interested in "middle-aged" wolves), Shali found refuge at Wolf Haven.

Wolf Haven offers a variety of educational programs, participates in two federally managed,

multi-agency captive breeding programs for endangered wolves and advocates for wolves in the wild.

Wolf Haven also received American Sanctuary Accreditation (ASA) in 2013, one of only two wolf

sanctuaries in the country to earn this distinction.

For more information about GFAS, please visit www.sanctuaryfederation.org. For additional

information about Wolf Haven International please visit www.wolfhaven.org.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the

sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and

rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care

facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important

criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal

protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and

often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board

of Directors guides the organization's work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes

those in top leadership  at Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare,  the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated  to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About Wolf Haven International

Wolf Haven International is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit wolf sanctuary and education center located in Tenino, WA.  The mission of Wolf Haven is to conserve and protect wolves and their habitat. Since 1982, Wolf  Haven has rescued and provided lifetime sanctuary to over 200 wolves. With the support of dedicated  members and volunteers, Wolf Haven provides sanctuary for captive-born, displaced wolves, offers  educational programs on the value of all wildlife; promotes wolf restoration in historic ranges;  and advocates the protection of our remaining wild wolves and their habitat. Over

12,000 visitors annually enjoy guided walking visits of the public portion of the wolf sanctuary.

For more information about Wolf Haven and to schedule a sanctuary visit, go to wolfhaven.org .