Visitors can enjoy up close the allure of the animal kingdom beyond the cages at these sanctuaries
Through ecotourism, many wildlife sanctuaries encourage ethical travel practises. While promoting an awareness of the value of conservation, it allows tourists to enjoy up close the allure of nature, as well as an experience of exploring the animal kingdom beyond the cages. India Outbound collates some of the best wildlife sanctuaries to explore around the world:
Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina
Around 20 species of mammals are sheltered in these subantarctic forests
Located at the southern tip of South America, this National Park at the ‘End of the World’ is brimming with assorted landscapes such as glaciers, tundra and a 220 km long stunning coastline dotted with a gripping history. Tierra, ideal for hiking and fishing, is a haven for rare specimens like culpeos, steamer ducks, Magellanic woodpeckers, albatrosses, black-chested buzzard eagles, as well as exotic animals like European rabbits and North American beavers. Around 20 species of mammals are sheltered in these subantarctic forests that have attracted many intrepid adventurers as well as nature lovers.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Australia
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is known to be home to a 100 koalas
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a vivid playground for one of Australia’s most iconic animals, the koalas. Set amidst the lush Australian vegetation along the banks of the Brisbane River in Queensland, visitors get to be up close and personal with these adorable furry animals. Home to over 100 koalas, this sanctuary is known to be the largest of its kind. Besides, it is also a natural habitat for 70 other species of native Australian animals, including kangaroos, wombats, birds and possums. A dedicated range of programmes, including breeding programmes, research and educational initiatives dedicated to conserving koalas are hosted here. To protect koalas’ sleeping habits, they can only be held for a maximum of 30 minutes each day, according to the sanctuary’s guidelines, so as to get a full 23.5 hours sleep.
Sloth Sanctuary, Costa Rica
Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is the world’s first sloth rescue centre
The number of sloths is alarmingly low, and many of them are housed in zoos where guests enjoy disturbing the quiet little animals. While sloths can be sometimes spotted in the wilderness all across the beautiful Costa Rica, the Sloth Sanctuary in Cahuita has made a special conservation habitat to protect these happy little animals from endangerment. Established in 1992, the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is the world’s first sloth rescue centre. This habitat is mainly centred on the conservation of the two-toed sloth and the three-toed sloths within the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rican lush tropical rainforests and Estrella River.
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Yala facilitates safari tours around the sanctuary
Forming the core of a contiguous system of nine connected protected areas, the Yala National Park is home to much of Sri Lanka’s magnificent wildlife. With around 215 bird species, it also includes at least 7 endemics and 44 different types of mammals. Inside, Yala’s beautiful coastal stretches, rugged terrains and lagoons shelter elephant herds, one of the largest numbers of elusive leopards, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted deer, and crocodiles. To truly soak in a more captivating experience, Yala also facilitates a tour around the sanctuaries in a Jeep with local wildlife professionals who are experienced in detecting leopards.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, China
Chengdu sanctuary is known to be world’s largest giant panda capture and scientific research base
According to records, in 1987 this centre started with six pandas and this number has crossed over 150 in 2023. What sets this sanctuary apart from other tourist attractions is its rather enriched natural setting, with brooks, lakes, rivers, woods, and wild bamboo forests, which has rendered it a meaningful environment for the rare giant panda conservation and sought-after tourism destination. Pandas, already known to have a hard time getting pregnant, have nevertheless flourished in this habitat, which has led to the world’s largest giant panda capture and scientific research base.
Masai Mara, Kenya
Masai Mara is one of the most well-known wildlife protection areas in the world
One of the most astounding natural spectacles on earth, the Great Migration, takes place in various parts of the Masai Mara. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores move to the Masai Mara in search of new grazing every year from the Serengeti in Tanzania. This Kenyan sanctuary is one of the most well-known wildlife protection areas in the world. The Masai Mara National Reserve, which is 1,510 sqkm in size, has a variety of landscapes, including savannah, mountain ranges, lake lands, and the Great Rift Valley.
Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, New York, US
Farm animals saved from exploitation, cruelty and neglect are given a safe haven at Woodstock
Rescued farm animals are at play the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. Located in High Falls, New York, is a compelling treat to explore over 400 rescued and rehabilitated farm animals. Farm animals saved from exploitation, cruelty, and neglect are given a safe haven at the sanctuary. It can be a life-changing experience that promotes compassion and empathy to interact with these creatures, hear their tales, and see their renewed happiness and wellbeing.
