Animal Sanctuaries Around The World, Which Ones To Visit?
Animal shelters or sanctuaries are places designed for specimens rescued from illegal trafficking, from mass production farms, from circuses or zoos. Many of them are unable to return to their natural habitat, but others, after being treated and cared for, are left free.
In this article we talk about 5 animal sanctuaries around the world.
What animal sanctuaries can we visit?
One of the main missions of animal sanctuaries is to rescue animals that are in poor condition due to confinement, incessant procreation or mistreatment.
The second objective is to heal the animals and then release them into their natural habitat, as well as to educate people to respect other species.
In different parts of the world we can find animal sanctuaries, dedicated to a particular species or to different. Unlike zoos, in these places the animals live free and in a habitat similar to their own. Among these stand out:
1- Elephant sanctuary (Thailand)
Many elephants live in Southeast Asia, but not all of them enjoy the freedom they deserve. Tourism, traditions and hunting are the main threats to these large mammals. This sanctuary is dedicated to saving and releasing specimens found in serious condition.
They are treated and then returned to their natural habitat. Guests of the sanctuary can feed and wash the animals, but also help with cleaning. If you are planning a trip to Thailand, avoid elephant shows; you can admire them in all their beauty in this refuge.
2- Farm Sanctuary (United States)
There are three farm animal sanctuaries managed by this association, in California and New York, whose main mission is to save cows, chickens, pigs and all species raised for human consumption.
3- Koala sanctuary (Australia)
Seeing this wonderful Oceanian marsupial in a zoo shouldn’t be the main attraction once you arrive in Australia. In this refuge we can observe it in its natural habitat, free and enjoying its twenty-two hours of sleep a day.
4- Hippo sanctuary (Ghana)
Despite its tender appearance given by its small ears and rounded body, the hippo is one of the most dangerous animals in the world. He is easily scared and can react quickly, but the man possesses weapons that kill at a much faster rate. Hunting, in fact, is one of the main threats of this species.
Two species of hippos remain in Ghana and one of them is found in a sanctuary in the north-west of the country, 40 km from the Black Volta River. Since 1999 it has been possible to observe the Wechiau community from a safe distance and learn its habits, nutrition and reproduction.
5- Monkey Sanctuary (Mexico)
The purpose of this sanctuary is to ensure the welfare of the rescued monkeys, release them into their natural habitat, educate children, support native Mayan communities, and study local flora and fauna.
Although monkeys (ateli, squirrel, capuchin, lion) are the most “famous” animals, in this refuge there are also lemurs, deer, birds, snakes, goats and donkeys. Photographs cannot be taken to prevent animals from getting nervous.
