How to Recognize an Accredited Animal Sanctuary
Photo courtesy of PAWSweb.org, an accredited sanctuary in California.
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TellOnePerson.com is a campaign to inform and guide people to accredited animal sanctuaries and away from abusive roadside “Tiger King” style zoos. Please share this website with one person and like our Facebook page to stay informed and spread the word.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN ACCREDITED ANIMAL SANCTUARY: LOOK FOR THE SEAL!
LOOK FOR THE SEAL!
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) assures the highest standards for animal care.
Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance membership
An indicator that a facility does not engage in breeding, buying, selling or trading of rescued animals and are committed to ending commercial exploitation of wild cats.
TIP
Many abusive roadside zoos will add “sanctuary” or “rescue” to their name. Do your homework.
Do you feel uneasy visiting “Tiger King” style roadside zoos? You’ll never feel uneasy again when you visit an accredited animal sanctuary.
What is the Difference Between an Accredited Sanctuary and a Roadside Zoo?
ACCREDITED ANIMAL SANCTUARIES
Put the welfare of the animals first.
Do NOT allow contact with the animals or pay-to-play interactions.
NO cub petting or selfies with animals.
Are rescue facilities and the animals are rescues.
Do not breed, sell or trade animals, take animals offsite for commercial purposes, or sell animal parts.
Are regulated by an outside organization besides the USDA. The USDA offers minimal, inadequate standards of animal care, with weak enforcement. Being licensed by the USDA is not a measure of quality care.
Are accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the American Sanctuary Association, and/or are members of the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance to ensure the highest standards for animal care.
Learn more about how to recognize an accredited sanctuary.
ZOOS
What’s the difference between the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Zoological Association of America (ZAA)?
Tip: If you are going to visit a zoo, at the very least make certain it is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
TIP
Many accredited animal sanctuaries offer educational tours that you won’t get at any zoo!
ROADSIDE ZOOS
Animal attractions where wild animals like lions, tigers, and others are caged for public display. Animals often live in small, dirty cages, are fed inadequate food, and denied medical care, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund.
Often offer pay-for-play interactions like cub petting. Animals often suffer physically and mentally.
Roadside zoos actively search for their animals, breed them, purchase, trade and sell them.
Inadequate, minimal standards. Licensed by the US Department of Agriculture, an animal’s cage only needs to be big enough so the animal can stand up and turn around.
Surplus Animals: The Hidden Problem
The Shocking Truth About What Happens to ‘Surplus’ Zoo Animals
SURPLUS ANIMALS: THE CYCLE OF HELL
Why can’t Animals in Sanctuaries be Released into the Wild?
They don’t have the skills to protect and feed themselves. They would die in the wild or be poached and trafficked in the wildlife trade.
According to National Geographic, the largest threat to wildlife is from people supporting the wildlife tourism industry. Rampant abuse is found behind the scenes. Many customers have good intentions and “love animals”, they are simply not aware of the abuse.
Video
Lions, tigers, a bear, wolf, and other exotic animals must be seized from a roadside zoo in one of the largest rescues in recent memory. Calls go out to accredited animal sanctuaries around the country to find homes for the animals.
Selfies with wild animals are based on a business model of animal abuse. This tiger is most likely drugged and sedated daily. This tiger will be chained and virtually immobile for hours on end, it’s only purpose to be exploited for profit. . Photo credit Flickr/mattmangum