Global Humane, the international brand of American Humane, the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, announced today that theMajid Al Futtaim Entertainment’s indoor snow resortsSki Dubai, Ski Egypt, and SnowOmanhave earned certification through the Global Humane Conservation™ program and are recognized for their high standards of care and treatment of animals.

“We are thrilled that all three of Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment’s locations with penguins have met the standards for the Global Humane Conservation certification,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane. “This certification provides Global Humane with the opportunity to recognize the extensive reach of the animal welfare movement at zoological facilities around the world.”

The Global Snow facilities house Chin strap, Gentoo, and King penguins and offer encounters for visitors to learn about the animals and Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment’sefforts to protect these species. This certification marks the first Global Humane certification in Egypt and in Oman. Global Humane currently certifies 76 zoological facilities in 16 countries around the world.

Mohammad El Etri, Managing Director, Global Snow, Oman & UAE, “We are proud that Global Humane has recognized our efforts to provide world-class animal care. Our dedicated teams at Ski Dubai, Ski Egypt, and Snow Oman works tirelessly to maintain high standards of animal welfare for our penguins and continually strive to be a leader in excellence in animal care, welfare, education, and conservation.”

Rigorous Certification Standards:

To be recognized as Global Humane Certified, Ski Dubai, Ski Egypt and Snow Oman passed a rigorous independent assessment that reviewed the wellbeing of animals in their care and demonstrated overall excellence in their animal care and welfare practices. The unique process is guided by the latest science and best practices and is informed by respected veterinarians and experts in the fields of animal welfare, animal science, zoology, and ethics who have decades of experience in protecting animals.

The independent validation process—which goes above and beyond to help protect animals—provides visitors with confidence that the institution is meeting a high benchmark of care. The process includes submission of a pre-audit application, followed by an onsite audit that assesses animal welfare. Factors considered during the audit include, but are not limited to, housing, nutrition, water, lighting, shade, sound, activity levels, and the training of staff who are interacting with the animals. The benchmarks are species specific.

The Global Humane Conservation™ program is the first certification effort solely dedicated to helping verify the welfare and humane treatment of animals living in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers across the globe. The program enforces rigorous, science-based, and comprehensive criteria for animal welfare that are reviewed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee comprised of world-renowned leaders in the fields of animal science, animal behavior, and animal ethics. The audit helps to verify excellent practices at deserving zoos and aquariums and offers increased assurance to visitors that the institution they are visiting is worthy of their support.