Are you looking to escape the chaos and find some peace? Around the world, some sanctuaries offer just that—places where nature, serenity, and beauty come together. So, let’s discover some of the best sanctuaries across the globe for your next travel destination.
Elephant Nature Park
Located in northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai province, Elephant Nature Park stands as a sanctuary and rescue center for elephants in need. Founded by Lek Chailert, it operates on a unique model where visitors contribute directly to the care of rescued elephants through tours and extended stays. With over 200 elephants rescued since 2016, Chailert has become a beacon of hope for Thailand’s elephants.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Discover Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland, Australia, where conservation meets adventure. Established in 1927, it’s the world’s largest and oldest koala sanctuary, home to 80+ species of Australian wildlife. Visitors can hold koalas briefly, contributing to conservation efforts through souvenir photo fees that fund habitat projects and research.
Woodstock Farm Sanctuary
Founded in 2004, Woodstock Farm Sanctuary stands as a beacon of compassion and advocacy for farm animals. This organization rescues farmed animals (including ducks, chickens, geese, a llama, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and turkeys), offering them sanctuary and lifelong care while educating the public about animal agriculture. Their mission extends to fostering connections between animals and people, promoting veganism, and advocating for animal rights.
Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica
This sanctuary is a rescue center focused on caring for injured or orphaned sloths. Established in 1997 as Costa Rica’s first sloth-only facility, it offers tours to the public, providing a unique opportunity to learn about sloth conservation efforts and witness their rehabilitation firsthand. Each visit to the sanctuary directly contributes to their mission of safeguarding and eventually returning these gentle creatures to their natural habitats.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is a gem among the state’s protected areas. Home to numerous flora and fauna, it shelters 28 mammal species, including the Indian leopard, Bengal tiger, and Indian elephant, alongside 225 bird species, such as the vibrant yellow-throated bulbul. Moreover, the sanctuary’s 52 reptile species, including numerous snakes, add to its ecological diversity.
Mefou Wildlife Sanctuary
There is a primate wonderland hidden in the lush forests of Mfou, Cameroon, at Mefou Wildlife Sanctuary! Founded to house primates from the Mvog-Betsi Zoo, Mefou now leads the fight against illegal bushmeat and pet trades. It is managed by Ape Action Africa, which provides shelter for monkeys, chimpanzees, and gorillas.
Weichau Community Hippo Sanctuary
Inaugurated in 1999 by local chiefs, this sanctuary is home to one of Ghana’s last remaining hippopotamus populations. It is a community-based initiative dedicated to preserving the wildlife and environment along a 40 km stretch of the Black Volta River in Ghana’s Upper West Region. Over the years, it has become a haven for Ghanaian and international tourists seeking an eco-travel experience.
Tiritiri Matangi
As one of New Zealand’s oldest sanctuaries, Tiritiri Matangi (an island sanctuary) is home to rare species like kōkako, tīeke/saddleback, and tuatara. Since the 1970s, many threatened species have found refuge and flourished on Tiritiri. With limited space, some species have reached capacity, leading the dedicated Tiri Supporters to translocate birds to new sanctuaries, helping seed and support growing populations elsewhere.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
This one on the list is a non-profit institute in Sichuan, China, dedicated to giant pandas, red pandas, and other rare animals. Founded in 1987 with just six rescued pandas, it has grown to an impressive 83 pandas by 2008, with 124 panda births. A must-see for panda lovers, this base aims to be a world-class research facility and educational destination.
Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary
Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary is a local independent charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming unwanted, abandoned, and mistreated cats and dogs. Every year, they rescue and rehome around 800 animals, ensuring each one finds a loving home.
