Having had a career spanning 50+ years which included being a veterinarian who treated all species of animals, an educator for a nationally known program which focused on the humane care of all species of animals and caring for all species of animals used by the entertainment industry, I have observed a major shift in public opinion regarding animal welfare. Welfare standards for pets, livestock and other farm animals have kept pace with these societal changes, but one major group of animals has until now not been formally addressed. These are the animals kept for public display. With the introduction of the American Humane Humane Conservation program, a science-based platform for the systematic evaluation of an animal’s welfare from the animal’s perspective now exists. This program was developed utilizing an international pool of talent including animal scientists, zoo and aquarium professionals, veterinarians, behaviorists and ethicists. The results of their efforts can be applied to any facility housing non-domestic animal life. The sole intent of this cornerstone program is to improve the care of animal life and thereby assure the public that this facility and its staff has been evaluated by a third party and has been graded with respect to the welfare needs of it’s animal collection. I fully and completely support this American Humane program and applaud this organization’s courage and determination to develop and offer this flagship program.