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Karmele Llano Sanchez, our Progamme Director in Indonesia, receives prestigious award.

3rd July 2018

Karmele Llano Sanchez, Programme Director of IAR Indonesia, has won an award for excellence which was presented to her on 26 June in Bogor, West Java.

The GFAS (Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries) Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence is given annually to an individual who embodies and puts into practice the GFAS philosophy of vision, dedication, and excellence in animal care at sanctuaries. It memorialises Carole Noon, founder of Save the Chimps in Fort Pierce, Florida, the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary.

This year marks the 10th year of the award presentation and GFAS has selected two co-winners: Karmele is one recipient and Patti Ragan from the Center for Great Apes is the other. In presenting the award, GFAS provides a donation to the awardee’s organisation in addition to an award plaque.

The award was handed over to Karmele in person in Bogor. She commented: This award is dedicated to the whole team of IAR in Indonesia, a very dedicated team that has made it possible for us to be honoured in this way. It’s only thanks to this team that IAR has achieved this international recognition.”

Jackie Bennett, Programme Director of GFAS in Africa and Asia, said: “Having known Karmele for several years and seen first-hand her incredible work and dedication, I cannot think of a more worthy recipient! Alan Knight, our Chief Executive, added: “It is no surprise to any of us that Karmele is being honoured with this award.

Under her leadership, IAR’s team in Indonesia maintains the highest standards of dedication, professionalism and animal care.“We’re proud and delighted that she is sharing the award with someone as well respected as Patti Regan. Both recipients are in our opinion highly deserving of the honour being bestowed upon them.”