What is a sanctuary?
A sanctuary is a safe, permanent home for wild animals that have nowhere else to go.
A safe home for life
A sanctuary is a place where wild animals can live safely for the rest of their lives. Our animals cannot return to the wild, often because they were abused, kept illegally, or have nowhere else to go. That is why a sanctuary has two main purposes.
Rescuing and caring for animals
Rescued animals are given a safe and peaceful home where they can live for the rest of their lives.
Educating people
Visitors learn why wild animals end up in captivity and how they can help create a better future.
SANCTUARY VS ZOO
What's the difference?
A sanctuary and a zoo each have a different purpose. That does not mean one is automatically better than the other. Every animal in a sanctuary is there for the same reason: it had nowhere else to go.
Sanctuary
Main purpose
Provide a safe, lifelong home for rescued animals
Where do the animals come from?
Always rescued: from poor situations or because they have nowhere else to go
Are animals bred?
No, never
Do animals stay in the same place for life?
Yes, unless moving is in the animal's best interest
What does your visit support?
The care of rescued animals
Zoo
MAIN PURPOSE
Displaying animals
WHERE DO THE ANIMALS COME FROM?
Mostly born in zoos or exchanged between zoos, sometimes rescued.
ARE ANIMALS BRED?
Yes
DO ANIMALS STAY IN THE SAME PLACE FOR LIFE?
Animals may move between zoos, for example as part of breeding programmes.
WHAT DOES YOUR VISIT SUPPORT?
Depends on the zoo.
Both types of institutions can operate in a good or a less responsible way. That's why we take a closer look below.
Not every zoo is the same
Not every zoo operates in the same way.
There are major differences within the zoo world. Some are strongly committed to conservation and animal welfare. Others place more emphasis on entertainment and profit.
Ethical zoo
Accredited member of a recognised professional association (such as EAZA)
Breeds animals only within coordinated European breeding programmes for endangered species
Invests in scientific research and nature conservation, both inside and outside the zoo
Is transparent about where animals come from and where they go
Is independently inspected for animal welfare
Questionable zoo
No accreditation or independent oversight
Breeds animals mainly to keep attracting visitors with young animals
Little or no transparency about the origin or destination of animals
Focuses primarily on entertainment: photo opportunities, shows and animal encounters
Little or no involvement in nature conservation
"Both are often called "zoos", even though the way they operate can be very different."
These are the situations we stand against
BE AWARE
Not everything that calls itself a sanctuary truly is one.
There is one important detail hidden in the grass: “sanctuary” is not a protected term. Anyone can use it—even places that do not follow the principles of a real sanctuary. Think of so-called elephant sanctuaries where visitors can still ride elephants, or places where you can still pose for photos with lion cubs.
Genuine sanctuary
Recognised member of a reputable organisation (such as EARS)
Never breeds or trades animals
Does not allow direct contact between visitors and animals
Provides every animal with a lifelong home
Is transparent: you can find out where every animal came from
Fake sanctuary
Uses the word "sanctuary" mainly as a marketing tool
Still allows photo opportunities, cuddling or rides with animals
Still breeds or trades animals
Has no independent accreditation or oversight
Provides little transparency about where animals come from
How can you check?
Verify whether a sanctuary is accredited by an independent organisation such as EARS. They check, among other things:
No animal trading
Educational visits only
Permanent lifetime care
No breeding
As little human-animal contact as possible
Only places that meet these standards should truly call themselves a "sanctuary".
Help us
Help us make a difference.
Thanks to visitors, symbolic adoptions and donations, we can provide hundreds of rescued animals with a safe home.
