Sanctuaries for big cats, bears, primates, and other exotic animals provide refuge for animals rescued from inappropriate keeping. Quality varies enormously and accreditation provides crucial assurance.
Not all exotic animal sanctuaries deliver the welfare they claim. Cub-petting operations, breeding programmes, and public contact activities are incompatible with genuine sanctuary status and indicate exploitation rather than rescue. GFAS accreditation requires meeting standards for housing, veterinary care, enrichment, and non-exploitation that provide meaningful welfare assurance. Genuine sanctuaries provide permanent care without breeding or commercial exploitation. Distinguishing genuine from exploitative operations is essential to directing donations appropriately.