LILONGWE WILDLIFE CENTRE RECOGNISED FOR GLOBAL STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE

The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre (LWC), Malawi’s only wildlife sanctuary, has been re-accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).

The GFAS is the only globally recognised organisation providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries. Gaining accreditation involves rigorous screening of compliance with GFAS standards on governance, finance, and other sustainability issues, in addition to demonstrating excellence in animal care and safety. 

The LWC, which was set up in 2007, was first accredited by GFAS in 2015. Located in the centre of Malawi’s capital city, the Centre provides veterinary and rehabilitation care to injured, orphaned and abused animals including primates, birds and reptiles. Last year it cared for 170 animals and released 84 back into the wild.

Accreditation is important because animal care is a poorly regulated industry, and thousands of organisations worldwide which describe themselves as “sanctuaries” or “rescues” do not provide quality or humane care for their animals. The GFAS standards identify those organisations that uphold the highest standards of care for animals.

Commenting on the GFAS re-accreditation, Lilongwe Wildlife Trust CEO, Jonny Vaughan, said: “We are thrilled that the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre has secured re-accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries – especially in the midst of what has been an incredibly challenging period. Maintaining excellent standards of care for the wild animals we rescue, rehabilitate and release is our first priority. This would not be possible without the hard work, passion and expertise of our team of staff, volunteers, supporters – to whom this award belongs. I would like to thank everyone who enables us to protect Malawi’s vulnerable wildlife.”

Last year the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre was also re-accredited by the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance. Find out more about our wildlife rescue and welfare work.