Dennis Janik, a native of Canada that has lived for many years in Costa Rica is the recipient of the Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence, which is given annually by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).

The Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence is given annually to a sanctuary or individual who embodies and puts into practice the GFAS philosophy of vision, dedication and excellence in animal care. It memorializes Carole Noon, founder of Save the Chimps in Fort Pierce, Florida, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary.

Dennis Janik is the founder of GFAS – accredited Rescate Animal Zoo Ave, a wildlife rehabilitation facility located on 84 acres of natural forest in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica with a mission to protect and restore the country’s biodiversity through wildlife rehabilitation and endangered species breeding and reintroduction. The facility has saved the lives of tens of thousands of injured, orphaned and confiscated native birds and mammals.

According to Kellie Heckman, GFAS executive director, Rescate Animal Zoo Ave “Is considered the most extensive, effective and secure animal rescue center in all of Costa Rica” .

“Dennis has been incredibly innovative when it comes to providing the best possible care for injured and orphaned wildlife,” remarks Jeanne Marie Pittman, GFAS Director of Accreditation – North, Central and South America. “He has created numerous rearing and soft-release strategies that have been highly successful in reversing the local extinction of many globally and locally threatened species.”

Janik shared his thoughts about the achievement, saying, “I am very honored to receive such a meaning full award. I admire GFAS for its work to establish an international standard for animal sanctuaries worldwide.”