Spending time with wild and exotic animals is certainly appealing to locals and tourists, but it’s becoming increasingly important to identify which facilities are ethical since so many these days are not. The same applies to people donating money or volunteering their time to these facilities.
The difference between legitimate and ethical animal welfare sanctuaries and those that put money above morality can be difficult for a lot of people to spot, which explains why far too many unethical establishments that no consumer would knowingly support are sadly still around. Ethical and unethical facilities can appear to be the same to the outside observer, but they differ greatly in terms of their operations, moral principles, and mission.
The spectrum of animal sanctuaries
While some are genuinely dedicated to the welfare of animals, others put business and visitor volume first. To make wise selections, you need to be aware of the green and red flags of sanctuaries.
True ethical sanctuaries devoted to saving, healing, and giving needy animals lifetime care, are on one side of the spectrum. These facilities, which frequently run on very tight budgets, put the welfare of the animals before their own bottom line. Usually, these are ‘not-for-profit’ establishments and they provide a crucial service.
On the other end of the spectrum are establishments that use animals for profit while providing chances for up-close encounters, frequently in the name of conservation.
Finding ethical sanctuaries: What to look for
Keep an eye out for these important signs of an ethical sanctuary to make sure that your money is actually used to improve animal welfare:
- Openness and transparency – Reputable sanctuaries are forthright about their financial situation, methods of operation, and where the animals under their care come from. They answer questions and give thorough details about their objectives.
- Focus on rehabilitation and feasible release – Rehabilitating animals for release back into the wild is the ultimate goal of many sanctuaries, but this isn’t always realistic due to the complicated balance within natural ecosystems, as well as the compromised survival instincts of animals that have lived in captivity for a significant length of time. Facilities that put rescue and rehabilitation ahead of breeding or interacting with the public are more likely to be ethical.
- Minimal visitor engagement – More often than not, close interactions with unknown members of the public are stressful for animals (other than most domesticated animals) and can cause health and behavioural issues. Ethical sanctuaries frequently impose physical contact restrictions and guest cap limits.
- Emphasis on education – Ethical facilities will use captive animal circumstances and their facilities to educate the public on the value of preserving natural environments, flora and fauna.
- Financial transparency – Reputable sanctuaries are open and honest about raising money and managing donations. On request, they should be able to provide financial records that reflect this.
- Partnerships and accreditations – Look for sanctuaries that have partnerships with reputable organisations like the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). Collaborations with other environmental organisations may also be a sign of strength.
- Knowledgeable staff – Qualified personnel with knowledge of animal behaviour, care, and rehabilitation are more likely to be hired by ethical sanctuaries.
- Relevant environments – Care should be taken to provide surroundings with as many elements as possible that reflect the animals’ natural environment.
The human desire for close encounters with wild animals drives an industry with often harmful consequences. While many of us yearn for a physical connection with the creatures of our childhood stories, it’s crucial to recognise the impact of fulfilling this desire. As conscious consumers, we need to be aware of the effects of our choices. Even if it means sacrificing the chance for a personal encounter, we should prioritise ethical behaviour and accept responsibility for our actions.
The value of research
Make sure you do your research before lending support to a facility that keeps animals of any kind. Thoroughly check their website, online testimonials, and social media accounts. For enquiries regarding the sanctuary’s procedures, methods for caring for the animals, or financial transparency, get in touch with them directly and ask questions when you are visiting their facilities.
Facilities that aggressively advertise animal photos, run captive breeding programmes or make unsubstantiated claims of having rescued animals from the wild should be avoided.
At CAEP we work to enhance the quality of life for animals living in captivity, and we are particularly focused on supporting ethical welfare facilities. We offer assistance and support to resource-poor sanctuaries because we recognise the difficulties ethical facilities have to work around.
We strive to nurture public awareness by informing people about the significance of choosing morally responsible sanctuaries, as well as the effects of animal tourism. We hope that by sharing what we have seen and experienced, we can support a conscious public to make decisions and take actions that foster more respectful interactions with other living beings. We create and carry out enrichment programs that improve the lives of animals kept in captivity by supporting their improved mental and physical health. We want more for them than just food and water.
We support stricter rules and guidelines for all animal care facilities. Every animal deserves to live with dignity and respect. Animals should not be used to generate money. Please contact us today if you’d like to donate or get involved.
