Quck answer
When choosing an animal sanctuary to visit, it is important to do your research to ensure that it is a legitimate and ethical organization. Look for accreditation from reputable organizations, such as the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or the Association of Sanctuaries. Check the organization’s website and social media pages for transparency and accountability, including financial statements and information on their animal care practices. Read reviews from other visitors and ask questions about their policies and procedures. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your visit supports a reputable sanctuary and promotes the well-being of animals in need.
Animal Facts
It is important to remember that sloths, like the one pictured, experience extreme stress when handled by humans and should not be part of any animal experience. В©Juan Carlos Vindas/Getty Images
As an animal lover and wildlife advocate, I made a mistake in 2017. While on a road trip with my family in the Pacific Northwest, I planned to visit the Sloth Center Sanctuary in Rainier, Oregon. The center’s website and TripAdvisor reviews convinced me that it was a “wonderful experience for any animal lover” and that their focus was on conservation research.
Unfortunately, I was wrong. The center was not wonderful, and their research had not been published. I had been blinded by the “sanctuary” label, and I failed to see that taking selfies with sloths or having a sloth sleepover was not conservation, but cruelty. According to World Animal Protection, handling sloths can cause immense stress and even shorten their lifespan.
I am not alone in my mistake. Wildlife attractions make up around 20 to 40 percent of global tourism, and many well-meaning travelers unknowingly support harmful wildlife attractions. However, not all sanctuaries are bad. Here’s how to find the good ones:
Check for Sanctuary Accreditation
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is the only globally recognized sanctuary certification organization. It helps sanctuaries meet its standards of excellence to provide the best care possible for their animals.
Animal service officers, animal protection advocates, veterinarians, sanctuary managers, and nonprofit professionals developed these thorough standards together. For example, the 72-page Standards for Elephant document provides detailed requirements for elephant sanctuaries to gain accreditation. The document covers everything from facility requirements to how non-staff visitors can interact with the animals. The policy is clear that visitors are not allowed to touch the animals, which is where many sanctuaries go wrong.
Beware of Touching Animals
“No reputable wild or exotic-animal sanctuary allows any kind of hands-on interaction, and that includes posing for photos with animals,” according to the PETA website. “Such interactions are disruptive and frightening for them.”
This means no cuddling, swimming, riding, taking selfies, or any other activity that involves touching an animal. Even bathing is not allowed, as it can be disruptive for the animals. Maria Mossman, founder of nonprofit Action for Elephants UK, explained that bathing means a lot of people climbing all over the elephants, which is not natural or good for them.
Putting an End to the Culture of Animal Selfies
Many people are unaware of the negative impact of wildlife encounters until they take the time to research them. Instagram recognized this issue and teamed up with World Animal Protection in 2017 to modify its algorithm for animal photos. The platform had become a hub for cute and seemingly harmless wildlife selfies, which only amplified the problem. Now, when users search for hashtags like #slothselfie, Instagram displays pop-up messages that raise awareness of the issue.
The message warns, “You are searching for a hashtag that may be associated with posts that encourage harmful behavior to animals or the environment.” If users click through, they can learn more about the truth behind these wildlife experiences.
The website also urges people to consider whether an animal has been smuggled, poached, or mistreated for the sake of tourism and to be cautious around wild animals.
The Sanctuary’s Website Speaks Volumes
It’s essential to examine the sanctuary’s website, social media accounts, and hashtags before visiting. If guests are doing anything other than observing the animals from a distance, the sanctuary is likely not legitimate.
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) provides a comprehensive map of accredited and verified sanctuaries worldwide. Verifying a sanctuary ensures that it meets the GFAS’s standards, but accreditation takes it one step further by screening the sanctuary’s governance, finance, and sustainability.
If you don’t have time to check social media or the GFAS map, trust your instincts. When I discovered that an Oregon “sanctuary” offered sloth sleepovers, I knew something was amiss. Although I only fed the sloths, I still supported a company that mistreated the animals and is now in and out of court.
In conclusion, let wild animals be wild.
Now That’s Interesting
If you’re determined to interact with animals during your vacation, consider volunteering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Volunteers help socialize the sanctuary’s thousands of adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals through various activities, including walking, playing, and overnight sleepovers. The ultimate goal is to find thousands of animals their forever homes through adoption.
FAQ
1. How can I tell if an animal sanctuary is legitimate?
One way to determine if an animal sanctuary is legitimate is to research the organization online. Look for reviews, news articles, and information about their funding sources. Check to see if they are accredited by reputable organizations such as the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or the American Sanctuary Association. You can also check if they have any legal issues or violations against them.
2. What should I look for in a legitimate animal sanctuary?
A legitimate animal sanctuary should prioritize the health and well-being of the animals in their care. They should have adequate space, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. They should also have a clear mission statement and code of ethics. Transparency is also important, so they should be willing to provide information about their funding, staff, and animal care policies.
3. Are all animal sanctuaries non-profit organizations?
No, not all animal sanctuaries are non-profit organizations. However, many reputable animal sanctuaries are non-profit because their mission is centered around animal welfare rather than financial gain. Non-profit status also allows them to receive tax-deductible donations to support their work.
4. Can I volunteer at an animal sanctuary?
Yes, many animal sanctuaries rely on volunteers to help with daily tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and animal care. However, it’s important to research the sanctuary’s volunteer program beforehand to ensure it’s a safe and responsible environment for both the animals and volunteers.
5. What should I do if I suspect an animal sanctuary is not legitimate?
If you suspect an animal sanctuary is not legitimate, you can report them to local animal control or law enforcement. You can also reach out to reputable animal welfare organizations such as the Humane Society or PETA for guidance on how to proceed.
6. What are some signs that an animal sanctuary may not be legitimate?
Some signs that an animal sanctuary may not be legitimate include inadequate animal care, lack of transparency about funding and operations, untrained or unqualified staff, and refusal to allow visitors or volunteers. It’s important to trust your instincts and do your research before supporting or visiting an animal sanctuary.
Leave a Reply