American Humane

Nonprofit Charity

Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., has a lot to brag about as president and CEO of American Humane, the country’s oldest national humane organization and the largest certifier of animal welfare in the world. “Over one billion animals are touched by our work every year,” she says. “That’s a good enough reason to get involved and make a difference in protecting animal lives.”

On Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving weekend, the 13th annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards recognizing canines who are heroes to their owners was shown on A&E and FYI networks. “It’s like the Oscars for canines,” says Dr. Ganzert. The show was hosted by model Christie Brinkley and TV personality Carson Kressley.

In January, American Humane is opening a new animal sanctuary home for pups in Palm City. “It’s like a modern-day Noah’s Ark,” says Dr. Ganzert. They’ll host rescue animals in barns and kennels until they find their forever home. The sanctuary will expand over time to accommodate more animals in need.

In 2020, American Humane released “Escape from Extinction,” an award-winning box office documentary narrated by actress Helen Mirren that shines a spotlight on efforts to save species on the verge of extinction. (You can catch it on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Peacock and Xfininty). Dr. Ganzert, who served as executive producer, worked on “Escape from Extinction 2,” which is being released in 2024. She says it focuses on rewilding and saving animals from extinction.

Additionally, American Humane launched a new global effort in 40 countries and six continents to certify and protect animals in zoos, aquariums, safari and tourism opportunities. The new Humane Tourism program rolled out in October in Washington, D.C. For example, the certification will tell you if you’re on a safari that doesn’t hunt or kill animals. “The program will expand greatly in the next few years as people demand humane choices and animal protection for their tourism and vacations.”

Dr. Ganzert says she’s had a lifelong love for animals. “I love to help save animals’ lives and save them from extinction,” she says.

“It’s about building a more humane world. You can’t protect what you don’t love and you can’t love what you don’t know. Through this organization, you can fall in love with animals and help join us in protecting them.”

American Humane, South Florida Office, 251 Royal Palm Way, Palm Beach, 561-537-5887, americanhumane.org

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