11 Incredible Wildlife Sanctuaries Around the World

Ideally, wild animals would flourish undisturbed in their natural environments. However, challenges such as poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal wildlife trade often disrupt their lives, leaving many without shelter or survival skills. Wildlife sanctuaries step in to address these issues, offering safe havens, medical attention, and rehabilitation for vulnerable animals. Many of these organizations also welcome visitors to learn about their efforts. Discover 11 exceptional wildlife sanctuaries making a global impact.

1. The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica // Costa Rica

This sanctuary in Central America is dedicated to one of the most relaxed creatures on the planet. Since 1992, the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica has provided a secure habitat for sloths to climb, roam, and vocalize. Many of these sloths were rescued from urban areas where they could no longer thrive. The sanctuary offers guided tours and even features an on-site hotel for overnight stays.

2. Chimp Haven // United States

Nestled in the forests of Louisiana, Chimp Haven is a thriving sanctuary for over 300 chimpanzees, many of whom were saved from biomedical research labs. Within this 200-acre refuge, the chimps enjoy activities reminiscent of their natural habitats, such as tree climbing, socializing, and engaging in playful behaviors.

3. Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park // Australia

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park stands out as one of Australia’s premier destinations for observing wildlife. Situated just an hour from Melbourne, the park houses iconic Australian animals like koalas, wombats, and wallabies. Unique among sanctuaries, Moonlit provides both daytime and nighttime tours, allowing visitors to witness nocturnal creatures in their most active state. Due to COVID-19, the sanctuary is currently closed, so verify their operational status before arranging a trip.

4. Cornish Seal Sanctuary // United Kingdom

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary began with the rescue of a lone seal pup found on Cornwall’s shores in 1958. Ken Jones, a local resident, saved the pup and was motivated to expand his efforts to rehabilitate marine life. What started as a single-pool operation evolved into a comprehensive facility with multiple pools and an animal hospital. While most seals brought to the sanctuary for illness or injury are eventually returned to the ocean, those unable to be fully rehabilitated are provided lifelong care. The sanctuary rescues over 60 seal pups annually, along with other species like sea lions and birds.

5. Dancing Bears Park Belitsa // Bulgaria

Established in 2000, this Bulgarian wildlife sanctuary was created to provide refuge for brown bears previously forced to dance and perform. As this practice has been discontinued in Eastern Europe, the park now offers a haven for these animals, which would struggle to survive in the wild. Instead of confinement, the bears at Dancing Bears Park enjoy the freedom to roam across 120,000 square meters of forest in southwestern Bulgaria.

6. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust // Kenya

Renowned for its orphaned elephant rehabilitation initiative, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has successfully cared for over 250 elephants since its establishment in Kenya in 1977. Beyond elephants, the sanctuary also safeguards endangered species like black rhinos, white rhinos, and giraffes. Supporters can adopt and foster a baby elephant or rhino remotely, without needing to visit the sanctuary.

7. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center // Malaysia

Established in 1964 in Malaysia’s Sabah District of North Borneo, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center was created to safeguard the region’s endangered orangutans. Today, around 60 to 80 adult orangutans roam freely within the reserve, while approximately two dozen orphaned juveniles, victims of logging and poaching, are nurtured in the nurseries. Orangutans typically require six years to acquire the skills needed for independent survival. The sanctuary also supports other species, such as gibbons, sun bears, and elephants.

8. Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary // South Africa

Located near Bethlehem in South Africa, the Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary is home to over 100 felines rescued from abusive environments, including private ownership, zoos, and canned hunting facilities. These animals now thrive on a sprawling 3000-acre reserve. While lions, leopards, and Bengal tigers are the main attractions, the sanctuary also hosts ostriches, zebras, hyenas, and antelopes, offering visitors a diverse wildlife experience.

9. Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary // Canada

The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Alberta, Canada, provides a haven for wolfdogs—hybrids of wolves and domestic dogs—often abandoned by their owners. Spanning 160 acres of forest, the sanctuary allows visitors to explore and observe these unique animals. A key goal of the sanctuary is to educate the public on responsible cohabitation with wolfdogs. Some of the more socialized residents are even available for adoption.

10. Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary // Ghana

The village of Wechiau in Ghana is renowned for its hippopotamus population. In 1999, local leaders designated a 25-mile section of the Black Volta River as a sanctuary for these hippos, now one of Ghana’s last two hippo communities. Tourists can enjoy nature walks, bird-watching excursions, and river safaris in the area. For the best experience, plan your visit between November and March, as hippos are rarely visible during the rainy season.

11. Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary // Senegal

Spanning nearly 40,000 acres of wetlands, Senegal’s Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is a crucial habitat for migratory birds arriving from the Sahara. The construction of dams in 1998 eliminated seasonal saltwater flooding, transforming the area into a thriving ecosystem. Today, the sanctuary supports 1.5 million birds and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological significance.