Wild or Wrong? A Traveller’s Guide to Ethical Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Discover how to identify truly ethical zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. Learn what accreditations matter, what red flags to avoid, and how cultural and Indigenous values can guide respectful, conservation-minded travel.

Look Closely: Are We Helping or Harming?

Wild animals have a way of stopping us in our tracks. A silverback gorilla’s gaze, a tiger’s pacing stride, a polar bear’s massive stillness—these encounters stir wonder. But behind the bars, glass, or fences, the truth can be harder to see.

Not all zoos are created equal. Some are doing the critical work of species preservation, education, and rescue. Others? They exploit animals for profit, dressed up as entertainment or “wildlife experiences.”

As responsible travellers, we have power. Where we choose to go—and not go—can protect wildlife, fund ethical conservation, and dismantle harmful industries. Here’s how to know the difference.

What Ethical Zoos and Sanctuaries Do Right

Ethical zoos and wildlife centres are led by science, conservation, and animal welfare. They put the animals’ needs first and uphold the highest standards in care. Look for these practices:

Conservation-Driven Mission – Their focus is education, research, and protecting endangered species—not ticket sales.
Accredited Enclosures – Animals are housed in habitats that meet physical and psychological needs, with space, stimulation, and privacy.
No Direct Contact – There is never petting, feeding, or photo ops with wild animals.
Species-Appropriate Diets – Animals are fed according to their natural diets, not by the public or for show.
Veterinary Oversight – Ethical facilities have full-time vets and follow preventive healthcare protocols.
No Exploitation – Animals are not bred for profit, sold to private collectors, or forced to perform.

Ethical zoos are transparent, often publishing research and detailing their breeding and reintroduction programs online.

What to Avoid: Red Flags of Roadside Zoos

Roadside zoos, travelling shows, and unaccredited parks may use words like “rescue” or “sanctuary,” but many are anything but. Warning signs include:

Photo Ops – If they allow you to pet tiger cubs or hold monkeys, walk away.
Animal Performances – Dancing bears, painting elephants, or trained big cats are a red flag.
Poor Conditions – Small cages, barren enclosures, pacing animals, or lack of shade and water indicate distress.
No Accreditation – If a facility is not accredited by a recognised ethical body, be sceptical.
Opaque Mission – If there’s no clear conservation or educational goal, it’s likely just a business.

Who to Trust: Globally Recognized Accreditation Bodies

These organisations set the gold standard for animal welfare and conservation. If a zoo or wildlife centre is accredited by one of the following, it’s a strong sign of credibility.

1. World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
- International governing body.
- Members must follow strict animal welfare, ethics, and conservation standards.
  waza.org
2. Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)
- Covers North America.
- Fewer than 10% of animal exhibitors in the U.S. meet AZA’s standards.
  aza.org
3. European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)
- Covers Europe, Middle East, and parts of Asia.
- Focuses on conservation, education, and responsible breeding.
  eaza.net
4. Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)
- Applies to sanctuaries—not zoos—where animals are rescued and never bred, sold, or exploited.
  sanctuaryfederation.org

The Tourist Toolkit: How to Vet a Zoo Before You Visit

You don’t need to be a zoologist to make ethical choices. Use this simple checklist:

Is it accredited by AZA, WAZA, EAZA, or GFAS?
Does it have a clear conservation mission on its website?
Are there no direct contact or performance options?
Do animals have ample, stimulating enclosures with privacy?
Do staff speak knowledgeably about species, diet, and threats?

And if you’re already on-site, observe the animals. Are they relaxed? Engaged? Do they show repetitive stress behaviours like pacing, rocking, or head bobbing? If so, that’s a sign of distress.

Words That Sound Ethical—But Aren’t

Be cautious around terms like:

“Wildlife encounter”
“Rescue centre” without accreditation
“Educational fun for the whole family” when animals perform
“Once-in-a-lifetime photo op”

These often mask unethical practices.

Respected Sanctuaries

While there are many sanctuaries around the world doing extraordinary work, the following examples represent a small, trusted selection of accredited institutions known for their ethical care, transparency, and conservation impact.

Note: Always double-check for updated accreditations and ethical practices.

The Indigenous Lens: Guardians, Not Owners

Long before accreditation boards existed, Indigenous communities lived in balance with wildlife—viewing animals not as spectacles, but as relatives, teachers, or spiritual guides.

Among many First Nations in Canada, the principle of “All My Relations” reflects interconnectedness. Animals are not there for our entertainment, but to be respected, honoured, and protected.

In Australia, Aboriginal songlines describe animal migration routes and stories passed through generations. In Kenya, the Samburu people monitor and protect elephants as part of their cultural stewardship. In Ecuador, the Kichwa people of the Amazon partner with biologists to safeguard rainforest species from exploitation.

As tourists, acknowledging and honouring these cultural teachings can guide us to travel with humility and awareness—not ownership.

Travel with a Conscience

Ethical zoos and sanctuaries exist—and they need our support. They rescue injured animals, breed endangered species responsibly, educate future generations, and contribute to science.

But the lines between conservation and cruelty can be blurry if we don’t ask the right questions. Let’s choose to be stewards of the wild, not spectators of its suffering.

Because when we know better, we travel better.

Tips at a Glance

Stick to AZA, WAZA, EAZA, or GFAS-accredited facilities.
Avoid anywhere offering animal performances or selfies.
Respect animals as beings, not props.
Learn from cultures that treat wildlife as kin, not commodities.

The Takeaway: Responsible Travel Starts with Respect

Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet. Safe and mindful travels!