Cashmere animal sanctuary earns global verification

CASHMERE — Ridge 2 River Animal Haven has been verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), placing the local organization among a select group of sanctuaries meeting rigorous standards for animal care and safety.

The Cashmere-based farm animal sanctuary was founded by Anna and Eric Gullickson in 2019, and is currently home to 51 animals across 10 species. 

“We work really hard to be a true sanctuary and to take care of our residents to the best of what they deserve and the life that they deserve, educate the public, have a safe space for humans and animals to go, and hopefully help our planet in the long run,” said Anna Gullickson.

Gullickson said the certification is an important distinction in a field where the term “sanctuary” is widely used by facilities that have varying standards of care. Without established regulations, the public can unknowingly support a facility that is perpetuating unsafe or harmful living conditions. 

“It was really important for us to get the accreditation because we have visited places, and we've been places where they have said they're a rescue sanctuary, and then the conditions on site are clearly not a true sanctuary,” said Gullickson.

The GFAS verification is a voluntary, regimented process designed to recognize true rescuer sanctuaries, offering a way to inform the public when a sanctuary is adhering to adequate care standards.

Gullickson said the certification was an involved process over the past year, which included site visits, paperwork, records-keeping and review of policy standards, and requires renewal every three years. For Ridge 2 River, having the GFAS recognition is a worthwhile investment, as it cultivates credibility and trust within the community.

The recognition falls in line with the organization’s mission to not only provide its residents with a safe home, but to also educate the public. With a focus on youth, Ridge 2 River aims to inspire individuals “to make compassionate and sustainable choices for the health of the planet and all living beings.”

“We just want to encourage youth to be curious, to critically think, to know information that we didn't know growing up, so that they have educated choices that they can make. And our main focus is to teach or educate on the interconnectedness of mental, physical, social and environmental health,” said Gullickson.

In addition to rescuing and rehabbing animals, Ridge 2 River’s educational programs, such as youth camps, site visits and the Leaders for Ethics, Animals, & the Planet (LEAP) program have been an impactful part of the organization’s work over the years, according to Gullickson.

“It's just really rewarding and really powerful to know that why we exist is actually benefiting people in our community in a very positive way,” said Gullickson. “The ripple effect that it has is extremely rewarding and keeps us going.”

Looking forward, the organization hopes to establish an indoor learning space for year round classes, as well as increase the number of visits and field trips to the sanctuary.

“When people come to the sanctuary and get to interact directly with the individual residents in our care, that's what tends to have the biggest impact in people's lives and make the most lasting change,” said Gullickson.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media