Animal Sanctuary Standards and Regulation

Animal sanctuaries provide refuge for rescued animals but quality varies enormously, and some poorly run sanctuaries cause as much harm as they prevent.

Key Facts

Sanctuaries range from highly professional rescue centres to exploitative tourist attractions
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accredits reputable facilities worldwide
Tiger sanctuaries in Asia frequently breed tigers for the traditional medicine trade despite sanctuary branding
Elephant sanctuaries vary from genuine no-ride welfare centres to tourist operations with hooks and chains
Accreditation criteria typically cover space, social needs, enrichment, veterinary care, and no breeding for trade
Undercover investigations have exposed sanctuaries with severe welfare violations despite positive public images

Welfare Considerations

The term sanctuary has no legal protection and is frequently misused. Animals at poorly run sanctuaries may face worse conditions than those they escaped. Supporting genuinely accredited facilities and demanding transparency from all sanctuaries is essential. Welfare-conscious travellers and donors should conduct due diligence before visiting or donating.

What You Can Do

Only visit sanctuaries accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or equivalent
Avoid any sanctuary that offers direct interaction, riding, or performance by exotic animals
Research sanctuaries thoroughly before donating to ensure genuine rescue and no breeding for trade
Support investigations that expose fraudulent sanctuaries using animal welfare branding
Share resources on identifying genuine versus fraudulent sanctuaries with your network