Wildlife attraction and sanctuary checklists
Wildlife attraction checklist
Ask yourself these questions to avoid cruel attractions.
| [1] | Are the wild animals kept in cages that don’t meet the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare? |
| [2] | Are wild animals forced to perform tricks in shows? |
| [3] | Are you able to ride, touch, hold, walk or swim with wild animals? |
| [4] | Does the tourist attraction sell parts or products from wild animals? |
| [5] | Does the tour company chase or lure wild animals closer with food or bring people close to wild animals so they can see them better? |
If you answered yes to any of these, it is not an animal-friendly attraction.
If the attraction claims to have rescued the wild animals under their care, use our checklist below to determine if it is a genuine sanctuary.
Three elephants living at Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) in Thailand.
Sanctuary checklist
How to know if the sanctuary you want to visit is a genuine one that puts the animals' welfare first?
Where did the animals come from?
A good sanctuary...
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Does not take animals from the wild unless they are injured |
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Does not sell animals or animal parts |
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Does not breed animals unless they are being released into the wild |
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Doesn’t accept more animals under its care than it can humanely manage |
What is the sanctuary’s purpose?
A good sanctuary...
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Does not use wild animals for entertainment (rides, shows or tricks) |
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Does not keep wild animals to make a profit |
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Exists to rescue and help animals |
How are the animals kept and cared for?
A good sanctuary...
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Has properly trained staff that know how to care for all of the animals properly |
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Has veterinarians available at any hour to treat the animals that become sick or hurt |
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Keeps animals in enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitat and give them enough space and opportunities to move and behave naturally |
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Does not remove animals from their enclosures for people to hold them as this can scare the animals |
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Reduces the amount of time people can view the animals and gives animals the opportunity for privacy |
How does the sanctuary educate people?
A good sanctuary...
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Has properly trained staff that know how to care for all of the animals properly |
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Has veterinarians available at any hour to treat the animals that become sick or hurt |
Some tips to ensure your next vacation is animal-friendly
