GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, October 13, 2020 — American Humane, the country’s first national humane
organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare practices, today announced the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
of Gulfport, Mississippi, earned its American Humane Certified™ seal, demonstrating the highest standard of animal care. The
organization passed rigorous, expert third-party audits to join a growing number of leading zoological institutions that have earned the American
Humane Certified™ designation. IMMS is the first facility in Mississippi to achieve this certification.
“We believe all animals, including those being cared for in our zoos, aquariums and conservation parks, are entitled to humane treatment,” said Dr.
Robin Ganzert, American Humane president and CEO. “The Humane Certified™ seal assures zoo and aquarium visitors that their favorite animals
are receiving the best possible care. Animals enrich our planet, and our lives, and humanity has a moral obligation to treat them with the respect
they deserve. We commend the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies for this great achievement, paving the way for other zoological institutions in
the Gulf Coast region.”
The Humane Certified™ program is the first certification effort solely devoted to helping verify the welfare and demonstrably 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, developed by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee comprised of world-renowned leaders in the fields of
animal science, animal behavior and animal ethics. The standards provide verification of good practices at deserving zoos and aquariums, and
long-overdue assurances that the public can support them in good conscience.
“We provide a vital home for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, including the most critically endangered sea turtle in the world,” said Dr.
Moby Solangi, the President and Executive Director of the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. “All of the animals that come to us for rehabilitation
are looked after by our excellent vet staff, who are dedicated to their health and wellbeing. We are honored to receive the prestigious American
Humane Certified™ seal, providing confidence that we meet the humane standards rightly demanded by the public.”
Established in 1984, IMMS is the premier stranding organization in the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast with the capability
and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals and sea turtles. IMMS serves as an important educational outlet for the Mississippi Gulf
Coast, incorporating programs for conservation, education and research of marine mammals and their environment. Their outreach program,
Ocean Adventures, allows guests to interact with ambassador animals to create a personal connection to conservation attempts and stewardship.
Research at IMMS covers a broad range of scientific disciplines including population dynamics, underwater acoustics, health, genetics,
microbiology, endocrinology, behavior, biomagnetism and ecology. In addition, IMMS is actively involved in the rescue, rehabilitation, release and
research of many stranded marine animals, including those affected by catastrophic events such as Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill.
The American Humane Certified™ program exhaustively verifies the many dimensions of animal welfare, 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 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.

10/13/2020 Institute for Marine Mammal Studies Earns American Humane Certified™ Seal for the Treatment of its Animals – American Humane – A…
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You can read more about the American Humane Certified™ program here: http://humaneconservation.org/ (http://humaneconservation.org/).