# Ethical Animal Tourism
## Understanding Animal Sanctuaries
Animal sanctuaries are places where animals can live safely and peacefully. These non-profit organizations provide homes for rescued animals and do not breed or trade them, allowing them to live close to natural lives with their species.
Hands-on sanctuaries like Animal Tracks Inc. house animals that were previously kept as exotic pets by individuals who could not properly care for them. These animals can include monkeys, kangaroos, hedgehogs, and pigs.
However, the definition of what constitutes a sanctuary can be misleading in places where regulations are scarce. A true sanctuary rescues abused, abandoned, or injured wildlife without exploiting them for profit.
## Identifying Ethical Sanctuaries
The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado stands out as the largest carnivore sanctuary. Ethical sanctuaries focus on providing environments that cater to the animals' best lives, including rehabilitation and educational tours.
When trying to discern whether a sanctuary is ethical, look for indicators such as:
- A clear mission statement focused on wildlife conservation, education, and rehabilitation.
- Awards and accreditation from organizations such as the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).
- Animal welfare standards and ethical policies that emphasize non-exploitative environments.
## Ethical Considerations
Are zoos or sanctuaries better for animals? This discussion includes differing opinions, but the best sanctuaries are those that hold themselves accountable to ethical standards, ensuring minimal stress and trauma for the animal.
Sanctuaries are preferable to zoos as they provide limited public interaction and potential options for the animals' release back into natural habitats. They offer a safe haven for wildlife rescued from abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and prioritize their needs over profit.
Remember, not all facilities labeled "sanctuaries" meet these ethical criteria, so it is crucial to conduct thorough research before supporting them.
### Resources and Further Reading
For more information on ethical animal sanctuaries, consider the following resources:
- Elephants: Visit [Elephant Nature Park](https://www.elephantnaturepark.org)
- Bears: Check out the sanctuaries operated by Animals Asia in Chengdu, China, and Tam Dao, Vietnam.
- General Information: Look into the World Animal Sanctuary Protection (WASP) list and the ethical travel awards by Responsible Travel.
- Facebook Page: [Krabie Elephant House Sanctuary](https://www.facebook.com/KBVphant)
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