Image via Project Survival's Cat Haven Instagram.

A Fresno County wildlife sanctuary is being recognized for its efforts in wildlife care.

Project Survival’s Cat Haven, conservation park in Dunlap, has achieved the distinction of American Humane Certified for its high standards of care and treatment of animals.

The nonprofit organization, founded in 1993, is dedicated to the preservation of wild cats and offers guided tours of some of the world’s rarest cats.

The cat haven spans across 93 acres west of Kings Canyon National Park in California.

Project Survival’s Cat Haven passed an independent assessment that reviewed the wellbeing of animals in their care—a process guided by the latest science and best practices and informed by veterinarians and experts in animal welfare, animal science, zoology, and ethics who have experience in protecting animals.

“We are thrilled that Project Survival’s Cat Haven has met the standards to become American Humane Certified,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane.

Ganzert said they are thrilled that Project Survival’s Cat Haven have met their standards.

“Project Survival’s Cat Haven is an innovative conservation park that promotes the preservation of wild cats in their native habitat, Ganzert said. “This certification provides American Humane with the opportunity to recognize the extensive reach of the animal welfare movement at zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks around the world.”

The validation process includes submission of a pre-audit application, which is then followed by an onsite audit that assesses animal welfare.

Factors considered in the process include housing, food, water, lighting, shade, sound, activity levels, and the training of staff who interact with the animals.

The audit helps verify good practices at zoos and aquariums and offers increased insurance to visitors their support is worthwhile.

“Project Survival’s Cat Haven is excited and proud to be certified by American Humane,” said Dale Anderson, Founder of Project Survival’s Cat Haven. “Being recognized by an organization that puts the care of animals first is a great honor. To save cats in the wild, we need people to meet their wild cousins that are cared for at the Cat Haven. Making a connection between people and the cats gives us the opportunity to help protect wild cats worldwide.”