What is a true wildlife sanctuary and why do they exist?

It can often be difficult and confusing to decide whether or not a facility which holds animals, is ethical, peaceful and natural place for animals to live. The word ‘facility’ is referring to places such as; zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and sanctuaries.

So what is it that sets sanctuaries apart?

If you have ever been to a zoo or aquarium you will know that you can get up close to the animals, like monkeys, lions, elephants, dolphins and much more. You may feel excited and awe stricken by being so near wild animals, but have you ever stopped to think how bizarre and unnatural this is? That humans should never come this close to wild animals. No animal should be kept in a confined space for our viewing or entertainment.

Compared to a zoo or marine park, a sanctuary is a place where animals can live in peaceful and natural environment rather than a tank or enclosure where humans can get near the animals and disturb them. There would certainly be no shows put on by the animals nor would there be any interaction programs at a sanctuary. Unfortunately there is particular confusion on this aspect due to there being a number of places which pose as sanctuaries and even call themselves sanctuaries, yet let paying tourists come and touch the animals and have photos with them. If you are unsure about visiting a place which seems to look nice and the animals seem to look healthy, do check if they allow people to pose with the animals for photos and touch the animals.

“No animal should be kept in a confined space for our viewing or entertainment.”

A true sanctuary would also make every effort to make the animals lives as natural as possible and that they are homes only for wildlife that cannot be safely released back into the wild after being in captivity. The animals should also be placed in the company of the same species in order for them to be able to naturally socialise, build relationships and groups. For example, a common dolphin has a different form of communication or “language” of that a beluga whale. Placing different species together or individuals from different families can sometimes result in stress, conflict and aggression between the animals.

So why do we need sanctuaries in the first place?

Today more people are becoming aware of the in humane and cruel way animals such as dolphins, whales, elephants and bears are being treated in certain marine parks, circuses and other places of captivity. And so what many are campaigning for is the freedom of these beings. But where to put them when they have been freed from these places? Ideally we would love to be able to free these animals into the wild, however after living a life in unnatural conditions, being fed dead food, and being forced to being dependant on humans a life in the wild would cause them to be vulnerable to predators and often unable to hunt for themselves. What many experts have decided and come up with are sanctuaries. As discussed, true sanctuaries are virtual for releasing animals from captivity. They are an answer for animals to be peacefully rehabilitated and live a happy and as natural as possible life!

There are many ways to support sanctuaries and help animals out of being in captivity;

• Do not buy a ticket to aquariums, dolphinariums, zoos

• Do your research before visiting

• Spread the word! Tell your friends to be careful where they go to see animals

• Donate to wildlife sanctuaries and conservation organisations • Report mistreatment of animals