PORTLAND, Ore., April 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- To provide vital support to Africa's primates during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) – the largest alliance of wildlife centers in Africa – has increased transparency on its metrics, demonstrating the impact of its members in the face of tremendous challenge. As a result, PASA has achieved the 2020 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, a service of Candid. By sharing metrics that highlight the progress PASA is making toward its mission, the organization is ensuring that donors can give with confidence at this critical time.
"The COVID-19 pandemic threatens the very existence of PASA wildlife centers," said Gregg Tully, PASA Executive Director. "This has made us even more committed to transparency about our work. So we are incredibly proud of the platinum designation from Guidestar."
The 23 PASA member wildlife centers, in 13 countries across Africa, face extraordinary threats due to the pandemic. Travel bans have left them without volunteers. Staff are sheltering-in-place at the centers rather than leave vulnerable monkeys and apes. Disrupted supply lines mean that getting food and veterinary supplies is precarious. On top of these issues, PASA members must also take biosecurity measures to protect the animals from possibly contracting the disease.
To earn the Platinum rating, PASA added data related to core areas of its mission, including these points:
- 3171 animals receiving long term care in member centers
- 456 animals rescued in the last year
- 293 animals reintroduced to the wild in the last year
"These metrics come directly from our members – and we hope that our supporters will hold us accountable to them," continued Tully, noting that PASA spends over 83 cents of every dollar donated directly on programs that support wildlife centers – including emergency grants to help them navigate the COVID-19 outbreak.
Fast Facts:
- PASA was formed in 2000 by wildlife centers in Africa
- PASA has 23 members in 13 countries throughout Africa
- Each member is accredited by PASA to ensure a high standard of animal care, fiscal responsibility, and governance
- PASA members focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and where possible, releasing primates into the wild; if reintroduction is not an option, PASA members provide life-long care for the animals
- PASA members employ 800 people throughout Africa and generate $5M for local economies
SOURCE Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA)
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