You’re scrolling through a travel site and see it — a peaceful-looking place called a “sanctuary.” There’s a photo of a smiling traveler hugging a lion cub. Another with people bathing elephants in a river. It looks magical. Heartwarming. But something doesn’t sit quite right.

The truth is, not all sanctuaries are what they claim to be. And as travelers, it’s our job to look deeper.

A true sanctuary is a refuge — a place where animals rescued from abuse, captivity, or injury can live safely, without being used for profit or entertainment. These places exist, and they do incredible work. But many so-called “sanctuaries” are little more than zoos in disguise, where animals are kept for show, bred for selfies, or made to perform in the name of education.

So should you visit one? The answer is: maybe — but only if it’s truly ethical.

Start by asking questions:
— Are the animals free to roam, or kept in small enclosures?
— Is there touching, feeding, or photo ops with wild animals?
— Do they breed animals? (Real sanctuaries usually don’t.)
— What happens to animals once they recover — are they released, or kept forever?
— Is there transparency about their mission, funding, and animal care?

I once visited a sanctuary in Costa Rica that changed how I saw everything. There were no crowds. No cages. Just volunteers quietly tending to injured sloths, parrots, and monkeys, most of whom would be released back into the forest. No one was allowed to touch them — not even the staff, unless absolutely necessary. That’s when I understood: real sanctuaries put animals first, always.

So yes, visit — but visit wisely. Support the places that protect, not profit. And remember: the best way to show love for animals is to let them be wild.

Because true sanctuary means freedom — not filters.