Wildlife Sanctuary Ethics and Standards

Wildlife sanctuaries provide refuge for animals unable to be returned to the wild, but vary enormously in their standards, ethics and genuine commitment to animal welfare over entertainment and profit.

Key Facts

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accredits facilities meeting high welfare and ethical standards globally
Many facilities calling themselves sanctuaries are actually commercial operations that exploit wildlife for profit
Genuine sanctuaries do not breed animals for commercial purposes, allow public handling of wild animals, or sell animals
The Born Free Foundation campaigns against pseudo-sanctuaries and provides guidance on identifying genuine facilities
Animals entering genuine sanctuaries are assessed for release potential before a lifetime care commitment is made

Welfare Considerations

The sanctuary sector is unregulated in many countries, allowing facilities with poor welfare standards to claim sanctuary status for marketing purposes. Genuine sanctuaries prioritise lifetime welfare of animals who cannot be released, providing species-appropriate space, enrichment, social housing and veterinary care. Red flags for pseudo-sanctuaries include cub petting, public contact with adult big cats, breeding programmes, and inadequate space. Accreditation through the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or equivalent bodies provides independent welfare verification. Visitors who cannot distinguish genuine from fraudulent sanctuaries risk financially supporting operations that cause ongoing animal suffering.

What You Can Do

Check Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accreditation before visiting or donating to a wildlife sanctuary
Avoid any facility that allows touching, holding or close contact with wild or exotic animals
Report suspected pseudo-sanctuaries to wildlife authorities and relevant accreditation bodies
Support genuine accredited sanctuaries that provide lifetime care for non-releasable animals
Educate others about how to distinguish genuine from fraudulent wildlife sanctuaries when planning travel